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...
Good news for the Malaysian market today as the benchmark index was up above the 1,700 point level at the midday break.
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| At midday, FBM KLCI was at 1,704.51 |
At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was up 11.08 points to 1,704.51.
Gainers led losers by 396 to 282, while 321 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 962.89 million shares, valued at RM1.02 billion.
The top gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Ta Ann Holdings Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, TAHPS Group Bhd, MISC Bhd and Genting Malaysia Bhd.
The actives incuded Inix Technologies Bhd, APFT Bhd, EKA Noodles Bhd, Chin Hin Group Bhd, Vivocom International Holdings Bhd, Ranhill Holdings Bhd and CIMB.
The losers included Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd, Huat Lai Resources Bhd, Ajinomoto Malaysia Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd, Power Root Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd.
Asian shares were up across the board after the news that U.S. Federal Reserve reduced the number of interest rate hikes expected this year, according to Reuters.
Reuters reported that with this news from US, there is a higher potential for more money to continue flowing into commodities and equities, rather being lured by higher U.S. interest rates, boosted crude oil and emerging market stocks.
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