Japan’s currency may face continued downward pressure if policymakers move too slowly on interest rate hikes, according to the head of the Asian Development Bank . Rate Gap with US Driving Yen Weakness ADB President Masato Kanda highlighted that the wide interest rate differential between Japan and the US remains the key driver behind yen weakness. Investors continue to favour the US dollar due to higher yields The Bank of Japan risks being seen as “behind the curve” on inflation As a result, the yen struggles to strengthen even when global risk sentiment improves . BOJ’s Slow Response Raises Market Concerns Despite inflation hovering around target levels for years, the BOJ has maintained a cautious policy stance to avoid damaging Japan’s fragile economic recovery. However, markets may react negatively if: The BOJ delays rate hikes further Investors lose confidence in Japan’s poli...
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| FBM KLCI close higher by 1.4 points or 0.1% at 1,628.66 pts |
The FBM KLCI gained 1.4 points or 0.1%, along with Asian share markets, as crude oil's price fall curbs inflation and U.S. interest rate hike prospects, according to a report by TheEdgeMarkets.
At 5 p.m., the KLCI closed at 1,628.66 points.
Across Asian stock markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.47%. while South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.19%.
Reuters reported oil prices fell on Monday, adding to Friday's steep losses as doubts re-emerged over the ability of major producers to agree on output cuts at a planned meeting on Wednesday aimed at reining in global oversupply. Brent crude futures fell 2% at one point, but regained ground to trade down 35 cents or 0.74% at US$46.89 per barrel at 0749 GMT.
In Malaysia, Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd research head Chan Ken Yew said the KLCI was still trapped in a rangebound pattern, as investors eyed a potential interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve next month.
The Federal Reserve's next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will be on Dec 13 and Dec 14 this year. The meeting will be the last for 2016.
Earlier, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen had said U.S. interest rates might rise "relatively soon". Yellen's comment was in anticipation of higher U.S. inflation and interest rates, due to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's planned expansionary fiscal policies.
Today, Chan said: “There is not much catalyst for the KLCI, currently. Investors are still waiting for the FOMC meeting next month."
“We still see the index to be rangebound, with support at 1,600 and 1,620. There could be some buying, if the index breaks the 1,640 – 1,650 level,” he said.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 1.32 billion shares. worth RM1.44 billion. were traded.
Decliners beat gainers at 594 versus 225, respectively.
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