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 FBM KLCI rose 9.01 points or 0.54% today, mainly on Tenaga Nasional Bhd share gains, amid speculation 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) may sell its power assets to foreign bidders.
1MDB's power assets are parked under Edra Global Energy Bhd.
Analysts and fund managers said Tenaga gained as investors could have perceived such updates as good news for Tenaga, amid concerns Tenaga might overpay for state-owned 1MDB's power assets to bailout the company.
The Finance Index increased 0.40% to 14135.16 points, the Properties Index dropped 0.10% to 1197.08 points and the Plantation Index rose 0.06% to 7502.73 points. The market traded within a range of 12.33 points between an intra-day high of 1673.92 and a low of 1661.59 during the session.
FBM KLCI gained 0.54% as of closing for today |
Tenaga added 30 sen or 2.3% to RM13.42, to become Bursa Malaysia's fifth-largest gainer.
Actively traded stocks include GENETEC, BORNOIL-WC, INSTACO, GLOTEC, HUBLINE, NEXGRAM, BORNOIL, PUC, PESONA and CONNECT. Trading volume decreased to 2949.13 mil shares worth RM1932.04 mil as compared to Friday’s 2965.92 mil shares worth RM1956.37 mil.
Leading movers were PETDAG, with a gain of 80 cents.
The top decliners included Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd and United Plantations Bhd.
Across Asian share markets today, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.39%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.7%. Japan markets were closed for holiday.
Comments
Post a Comment