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...
FBM KLCI continued to inch slightly higher, as the market closed at 1,768.41 points, up by 3.97 points.
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| Market closed slightly higher |
This happened despite the fact that the oil prices continued to remain sluggish while the ringgit remains weak. Among the top gainers are Asia File Corporation Bhd, Ibraco Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK). On the other hand, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd and AirAsia were the top decliners.
As expected, AirAsia was also the top active counter today as the AirAsia Flight QZ8510 went missing.
Many analysts are looking at AirAsia and expect to see some price weakness with the latest news.
The oil prices remained sluggish although it appeared to have stabilize while the ringgit seems to have near its bottom.
It is important to note that the market lack of movement could be due to the holiday season. Many analysts are expecting to see the year end window dressing.
Regionally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 1.82%,whilst Japan's Nikkei was down 0.5%, while South Korea's Kospi was down 1.04%.
With some fresh gains on Wall Street and also the surge in Chinese shares (thanks to the optimism that the Chinese government would spur lending and continue to spur growth) contributed to Asian's rise in the stock.
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