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...
At 5pm, the KLCI settled at 1,774.22 points. Investors bargain hunted for local shares after the index fell 4.6 points to 1,771.62 points yesterday.
Today, Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd research head Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets.com : “Overall market sentiment is still mixed, but the [KLCI] likely recouped its losses from yesterday due to its reaction to the earnings season.”
Malaysia's April-June quarter corporate financial-reporting season starts in July, although most companies report their earnings in August.
Today, Bursa Malaysia saw 392 gainers compared with 364 decliners. A total of 1.77 billion shares valued at RM1.89 billion were traded.
Top gainer was KESM Industries Bhd while Mlabs Systems Bhd was the top-active counter. Pong said penny stocks' performance was a good barometer for retail investors' sentiment.
Across Asian share markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.05% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.91%. South Korea's Kospi added 0.44%.
Reuters reported that Asian shares rose on Tuesday after modest gains on Wall Street, while robust metals prices underpinned some regional markets even as investors remained wary ahead of the annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole later this week.
Source: The Edge
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