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...
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 19): The FBM KLCI fell 3.49 points or 0.2% as the ringgit weakened against the US dollar to levels seen during the 1998 Asian financial crisis.
At 5pm today, the KLCI closed at 1,634.30 points. The ringgit depreciated to its weakest level against the US dollar so far today at 4.4805. Bloomberg reported that the exchange rate was the weakest since January 1998.
Today, JF Apex Securities Bhd research head Lee Chung Cheng told theedgemarkets.com: "Basically the market's performance today is in line with US markets (which were also down) and weak ringgit. We believe there is a lack of catalysts to excite the local market at this point."
The ringgit weakened after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week and indicated further hikes in 2017. Such sentiment was in anticipation of higher US inflation due to US President-elect Donald Trump's planned expansionary fiscal policies.
At Bursa Malaysia today, the exchange saw 1.33 billion shares valued at RM1.35 billion traded.
There were 307 gainers and 401 decliners.
Source: The Edge
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