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 (Aug 25): The FBM KLCI fell 6.33 points or 0.4% as index-linked Genting Bhd, Genting Malaysia Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd shares declined. At 5pm, the KLCI closed at 1,769.17 points.
Genting Bhd and Genting Malaysia shares dropped on news Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, widow of Genting Group's late founder Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, passed away this morning. She was 88.
Sime Darby shares fell after the group said net profit fell to RM571 million in the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2017 (4QFY17), from RM1.23 billion a year earlier.
Full-year net profit rose to RM2.44 billion, from RM2.42 billion a year earlier.
At 5pm, Genting Malaysia shares declined 23 sen to RM5.82, to become Bursa Malaysia's fourth-largest decliner. Genting Bhd shares closed four sen lower at RM9.75, after falling to their intraday low at 9.62. Sime Darby shares fell 10 sen to RM9.13.
Across Bursa Malaysia, two billion shares exchanged hands for RM1.94 billion. A total of 313 counters gained versus 503 decliners.
Malaysian shares bucked Asian equity gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.51%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 1.2%.
In Malaysia, TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note today: "Overall market sentiment should remain cautious, as investors are likely to return their focus on a central banking conference in Jackson Hole, later in the day."
Reuters reported Asian stocks advanced on Friday, once again shrugging off a sluggish day on Wall Street, and the dollar strengthened as attention shifted to the central bankers' symposium that began on Thursday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The dollar rose as investors turned their attention to the Jackson Hole central bankers' meeting at which Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi are due to speak on Friday, although no new policy messages are expected from either.
Source: The Edge
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