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...
Malaysia Budget for the Year 2012: "National Transformation Policy: Welfare for the Rakyat, Well-Being of the Nation"
The followings are the key take away from the Malaysia Budget for the Year 2012 which was tabled by the Malaysia Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak last Friday in the Parliament. - The theme for Budget 2012 is “National Transformation Policy: Welfare for the Rakyat, Well-Being of the Nation” - Last year our FDI growth was the strongest in Asia and in the first 6 months of this year have already reached RM21.2bil - In 2012, private investment is forecast to climb 15.9%, supported by foreign and domestic investment - GDP in the first 6 months of 2011 was 4.4%, driven by strong domestic consumption - In 2011, the economy is forecast to grow by 5-5.5% - Private and public investment are forecast to increase by 15.9% and 7%, supported by foreign investment, the ETP and 10MP - In 2012, the service sector is expected to grow 6.5%, the construction sector 7% and GDP is forecast to be between 5 and 6% - Budget 2012 allocates RM232.8bil for Government plans, including RM181.6bil for manag...