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 (Oct 5): The FBM KLCI closed 2.75 points or 0.2% lower as KLCI-linked shares including KLCCP Stapled Group and Genting Malaysia Bhd declined.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed at 1,759.09 points. KLCCP Stapled Group, comprising KLCC Property Holdings Bhd and KLCC Real Estate Investment Trust shares fell 17 sen to RM7.84.
Genting Malaysia dropped 11 sen to RM5.39. KLCCP Stapled Group and Genting Malaysia, both of which fell on profit taking, were Bursa Malaysia's second and fifth-largest decliners respectively.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 3.15 billion shares worth RM2.06 billion were traded. There were 451 gainers and 324 decliners.
“Generally, most of the stocks (on Bursa Malaysia) are on upside. What contributed to the lower (close of the) KLCI is KLCCP and Genting Malaysia,” Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong Teck Meng told theedgemarkets.com.
Malaysian shares fell despite US equities' overnight rise to record highs cheered global markets and as major Asian stock markets were closed for holidays.
Wong said: “The US has been for the last five to six days breaking records. This somewhat brings positive sentiment to this part of the world."
Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.01% as Mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea markets were closed for holidays.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd's website showed that Hong Kong markets were closed today following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.
According to the Shanghai Stock Exchange website, Mainland China markets are closed from last Sunday (Oct 1) till this Sunday (Oct 8) for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays.
South Korean markets are also closed this week. The Korea Exchange website showed that South Korean markets, which are closed from Monday (Oct 2) to Friday (Oct 6) for Chuseok Day, will remain closed this Monday (Oct 9) for Hangeul Day.
Overnight, Reuters reported that US stocks edged up to extend their run of record closing highs on Wednesday as data on the services sector added to signs of strength in the economy and prospects for earnings.
It was reported that it was the third straight session where all three major indexes hit record closing highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 19.97 points, or 0.09 percent, to end at 22,661.64, the S&P 500 gained 3.16 points, or 0.12 percent, to 2,537.74 and the Nasdaq Composite added 2.91 points, or 0.04 percent, to 6,534.63.
Source: The Edge
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