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 feel good factor continues in the market as FBM KLCI breached the 1,700 mark.
FBM KLCI breached the 1,700 mark |
The positive sentiment was felt across the Asia region.
In Malaysia, the FBM KLCI was up 3.77 points or 0.22% to 1,700.31.
In the Asia region, Japan's Nikkei 225 ended the day up 1.74%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.17% and South Korea's Kospi inched up 0.04%.
Reuters reported that Asian shares began a central bank-focused week on firm footing today, buoyed by gains on Wall Street, as well as glimmers of strength in weekend data from China.
Across Bursa, there were 419 advancers versus 412 losers, while 360 counters closed unchanged.
A total of 1.47 billion shares, valued RM1.61 billion, exchanged hands during the day.
Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd rose RM1.54 or 2.08% to close at RM75.50; while the top loser was Petronas Dagangan Bhd, which fell 40 sen to RM24.10.
The most actively-traded stock was Gamuda Bhd's warrant (Gamuda-WE), which fell two sen or 2.07% to close at 94.5 sen.
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