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 market dropped as anticipated, with the FBMKLCI closing 1.1% lower to 1,644.41. This was in line with the global equities' decline.
US equities closed near flatline Tuesday, after a choppy trading session, as US oil prices seesawed and investors looked ahead to Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen’s testimony.
Across the exchange, a total of 887.61 million shares, worth RM1.06 billion, were traded. Market sentiment was bearish, as decliners beat gainers by 506 to 249, while 220 counters were unchanged.
Leading the decliners were blue chips like Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd, while gainers were led by Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd. The top active stock was Tiger Synergy Bhd.
Across the region, Japan’s Nikkei fell 2.31%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.52%. China stock markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.
According to Bloomberg data, the ringgit strengthened to 4.1243 against the US dollar and traded at 2.9642 against the Singapore dollar.
Brent crude gained 2.3% to US$31.02 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 2.1% to US$28.52 per barrel.
The drop in the global market is largely due to the growing concerns about the health of the world's banks, particularly in Europe, pushing investors into safer assets such as the yen, which stood near a 15-month high versus the dollar.
US equities closed near flatline Tuesday, after a choppy trading session, as US oil prices seesawed and investors looked ahead to Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen’s testimony.
Across the exchange, a total of 887.61 million shares, worth RM1.06 billion, were traded. Market sentiment was bearish, as decliners beat gainers by 506 to 249, while 220 counters were unchanged.
Leading the decliners were blue chips like Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd, while gainers were led by Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd. The top active stock was Tiger Synergy Bhd.
Across the region, Japan’s Nikkei fell 2.31%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.52%. China stock markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.
According to Bloomberg data, the ringgit strengthened to 4.1243 against the US dollar and traded at 2.9642 against the Singapore dollar.
Brent crude gained 2.3% to US$31.02 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 2.1% to US$28.52 per barrel.
The drop in the global market is largely due to the growing concerns about the health of the world's banks, particularly in Europe, pushing investors into safer assets such as the yen, which stood near a 15-month high versus the dollar.
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