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 (Jan 5): The FBM KLCI gained 12.35 points or 0.7% with Asian shares after the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest meeting minutes indicated faster U.S. economic growth, when Donald Trump becomes president.
Trump's inauguration as U.S. President will be held this Jan 20. Trump's election win has led to anticipation of higher U.S. inflation, due to his planned expansionary fiscal policies.
At Bursa Malaysia today, the KLCI closed at its intraday high at 1,659.82 points. Bursa Malaysia saw 2.51 billion shares, worth RM1.85 billion traded.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.46%.
Reuters reported minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting showed almost all Fed policymakers thought the U.S. economy could grow more quickly, after Trump becomes president.
In Malaysia, JF Apex Securities Bhd senior analyst Lee Cherng Wee told theedgemarkets.com that from a technical viewpoint, the KLCI had broken away from its downtrend.
“Current resistance level would be 1,660 points. The index’s movement will depend on whether it can break this level," Lee said.
Source: The Edge
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