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...
Just this morning, Malaysians were greeted with a good news,
the oil rally of 6% and it already feels like it’s gonna be a good day for the
market.
 |
| FBM KLCI closed marginally higher while Asian stocks dropped |
Well, it did, at least for a start but as at 5pm, FBM KLCI
closed at 1,677.28 points on profit taking after reaching an intraday high at
1,685.88.
In the Asia region, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.37%, South Korea's
Kospi dropped 0.11%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng down to 0.25%.
The oil rally on Monday that had boosted global equity
markets made a U-turn. US front-month West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude
futures were trading at US$32.72 per barrel at 0753 GMT, down 67 US cents from
Monday's settlement.
International benchmark Brent was also down 61 US cents at
US$34.08 a barrel.
On Monday, we have seen oil prices jumped to as much as 7%
as there are speculations over the falling US shale output fed the notion that
crude prices may be bottoming after their 20-month collapse.
In Europe, Euro and sterling were hit by uncertainty over Britain's membership of the European Union.
The top gainer was Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd while the leading decliners included Nestle (M) Bhd and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd. The most active stock was APFT Bhd.
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