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 17): The FBM KLCI rose 4.19 points or 0.3% on bargain hunting, after the index's 13.66-point drop yesterday. The KLCI fell yesterday on renewed concerns on the UK's planned exit from the European Union (EU) and after China shares dropped sharply.
The UK's planned exit from the EU is popularly known as Brexit. The KLCI also dropped on news JP Morgan downgraded the Malaysian stock market to "neutral", from "overweight".
Today, the KLCI closed at 1,663.03 points. Inter-Pacific Research Sdn Bhd research head Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets.com that the KLCI's decline yesterday was an opportunity for bargain hunting by institutional investors.
“The underlying sentiment is still bullish. Liquidity will improve, but I don’t think it will last past late February or March. The market is cautious,” Pong said.
Today, Bursa Malaysia saw 1.99 billion shares, worth RM1.68 billion, traded. There were 411 gainers and 366 decliners.
World markets have been taking cue from Brexit concerns. Reuters reported the pound hovered near three-month lows versus the dollar on Tuesday, and stocks were mostly weaker as investors waited for British Prime Minister Theresa May to lay out plans to exit the EU, amid fears Britain will lose access to the single market.
Safe-havens such as the yen, gold and treasuries, gained in turn.
Source: The Edge
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