The Bank of Russia unexpectedly maintained its key interest rate at a record-high 21% , defying analysts’ expectations of another significant hike as inflation remains stubbornly elevated. The decision marks a shift toward a more measured approach in balancing economic growth and price stability. Key Details Inflation Concerns: Annual inflation climbed to 8.9% in November, well above the central bank’s 4% target , with inflation expectations reaching 13.9% in December. Policy Rationale: The central bank cited the significant tightening of monetary conditions after October’s 200-basis point hike as sufficient to resume disinflationary processes. Governor Elvira Nabiullina emphasized avoiding both economic overheating and severe slowdowns. Economic Overheating: Elevated government spending on the war in Ukraine and social programs, coupled with labor shortages and rising wages, have fueled strong domestic demand, exacerbating price pressures...
Previously by the end of 2009, I would already have the 2010 financial goals , but I did not manage to post my 2011 financial goals by the end of 2010. A lot of reasons behind, but mainly due to laziness. :p Anyway, I don't expect this year financial goals will have much different compare to the 2010 financial goals mainly because there are not much changes in my current financial status. The generic financial goals would be:- Continue tithing Clearing 10% debt Stocks portfolio to grow another 15% (why I lowered it this year is because market been going up a lot last year, so, it would be not to grow so aggressively) I am thinking to clear more loan and keep more cash in hand rather than putting more in the stocks as the direction of the stocks become more volatile. Last year besides growing about 30%, I also inject about additional 20% of my annual income to the stocks - however this year, I'm thinking of injecting maybe about 10%-15% of my annual income. Other thing that I w...