Japan’s currency may face continued downward pressure if policymakers move too slowly on interest rate hikes, according to the head of the Asian Development Bank . Rate Gap with US Driving Yen Weakness ADB President Masato Kanda highlighted that the wide interest rate differential between Japan and the US remains the key driver behind yen weakness. Investors continue to favour the US dollar due to higher yields The Bank of Japan risks being seen as “behind the curve” on inflation As a result, the yen struggles to strengthen even when global risk sentiment improves . BOJ’s Slow Response Raises Market Concerns Despite inflation hovering around target levels for years, the BOJ has maintained a cautious policy stance to avoid damaging Japan’s fragile economic recovery. However, markets may react negatively if: The BOJ delays rate hikes further Investors lose confidence in Japan’s poli...
As Brent crude oil prices hit a five and a half year low of nearly US$57 per barrel and the ringgit hit a near five year low of 3.5027 to the dollar, the FBM KLCI also slips 0.09% today and closes at 1,766.830.
 |
| FBM KLCI closes at 1,766.830 |
There were 382 gainers against 402 decliners, while 304 counters remained unchanged.
In our post earlier on the oil price slump, we were of the opinion that Bursa Malaysia would follow suit as per the declining trend of the oil price as we see a sharp drop.
Today's top gainers: Hong Leong Capital Berhad, British American Tobacco Bhd and Apex Healthcare Bhd.
The top decliners: Multi-Usage Holdings Bhd, Press Metal Bhd, and Aeon Co. Bhd.
Hubline Bhd was the most actively traded stock for today.
While the oil price dropped about 1%, the FBM KLCI only decline slightly at about 0.09%. This is most likely because of the support from the local institutional investors.
The holiday season also contribute to one of the reasons why the market did not react in tandem to falling oil prices.
Regionally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down by 1.14%, Japan's Nikkei was 1.57% lower, and South Korea's Kospi was also lower by 0.64%.
Comments
Post a Comment