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...
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) continue to see positive return in their investment income. In comparison to a year earlier, the investment income saw a 9.73% increase in the second quarter of 2015, on a higher equity and real estate portfolio.
EPF maintains their performance for 1H2015 |
The 1H15 income increased to RM22.04 billion from RM19.23 billion a year earlier.
“Despite very challenging conditions, our performance for the first six months of 2015 was strongly supported by our well-diversified portfolio and the strengthening of the USD had also enhanced the returns from our international investments.
“While we were able to maintain the previous quarter’s momentum, we are currently seeing greater volatility in the financial markets. The anticipation of interest rate hike in the United States as well as economic slowdown in China and other emerging countries are the prevailing concerns. It will be challenging for the EPF to sustain the first half’s momentum for the remaining part of the year,” CEO of EPF, Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said.
source: http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/epf%E2%80%99s-1h-investment-income-year-rm2204b
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