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...
Bursa Malaysia's benchmark, FBM KLCI suffered a drop of 10.07
points or 0.6% as China’s data disappoints the market. At market close, FBM
KLCI was at 1,687.86 points.
 |
| FBM KLCI closed 10.07 points lower |
Reuters reported that global stock markets fell on Tuesday after
another batch of weak data from China reinforced persistent concerns about a
possible slowdown in the global economy.
China's February exports disappointed analysts'
expectations, falling 25.4% from a year earlier, while imports fell by 13.8%.
The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300
index fell 1 percent while the MSCI All-Country World index weakened 0.3
percent.
Japan's safe-haven yen notched up
gains while the low-yielding euro moved up against the dollar on Tuesday as
appetite for riskier assets and currencies waned following the weak Chinese
data.
The soft Chinese exports figures
also impacted oil and metals prices.
The MSCI Emerging Market index
fell 0.7 percent while U.S. stock index futures also declined.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 2.01 billion shares worth RM2.07 billion
were traded. Decliners overtook gainers at 568 against 286.
The top gainer was Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd while the top
decliner was British American Tobacco (M) Bhd.
The most-active counters included Chin Hin Group Bhd and AirAsia
X Bhd.
Comments
Post a Comment