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...
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| Wall Street Update |
Wall Street has seen an early rally lost steam yesterday as market closed mix, with the Dow Jones Industrial average turned negative and fell 100 points, or 0.6%, to 15,915, after being up for most of the day and rising as high as 190 points in early trading. The early rally was sparked after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's prepared remarks to lawmakers cited emerging headwinds that could signal a pause in its plan to raise interest rates.
S & P 500 was off its earlier highs and ended up down just 0.02% to 1852. The Nasdaq composite index rose 15 points, or 0.4%, to 4284.
Investors continue to remain nervous about a potential slowing down of the economy and uncertainty surrounding plans for further interest rate hikes.
Analysts were hoping that Yellen would hint that the Federal Reserve could hold off on additional rate hikes, due to tightening financial conditions caused by market tumult and slowing global growth since its December meeting, when it hiked interest rates for the first time in nearly 10 years.
Wall Street continued to closely watch oil prices, following a sharp plunge Tuesday. U.S.-produced crude was down 1.5% to $27.52 a barrel after rallying earlier to as high as $29.22.
European stock markets enjoyed a relief rally, ending two days of sharp losses. The Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 1.8%. In Germany, the DAX was 1.6% higher and in Paris the CAC 40 was up 1.6%.
Shares in Japan again fell sharply, following Tuesday's 5.4% drop. The Nikkei 225 closed down 2.3%, hurt by a rising yen versus the dollar, which hurts Japanese exporters.
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