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...
Bloomberg data showed that shares in Hong Leong Bank, which was among the top 10 active FBM KLCI counters, traded 0.9% or 14 sen higher to settle at RM16.02 today, despite thin trading volume of 334,100.
"While the blue chip stocks have been pretty lifeless of late, several heavyweights, like Hong Leong Bank, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd — but especially Hong Leong Bank — contributed to the slight uptick in today's stock market," Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd's head of research Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets.com.
"Further, we had tech counters like ViTrox Corp Bhd and Pentamaster Corp Bhd, which traded up nicely," Pong added.
About 3.22 billion shares worth about RM1.99 billion were traded today.
Gainers outperformed losers with 426 against 362, while 477 counters settled unchanged.
Among the top gainers for the day were MESB Bhd, Pentamaster and ViTrox, while top losers included Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd.
Across the region, Japan's Nikkei 225 grew 0.96%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up 0.06%, while the Korea Composite Stock Price Index was down 0.05%.
Reuters reported Asian stocks rose to a 10-year high on Friday, on expectations of brisk global growth. This was despite investors holding off chasing shares higher ahead of US economic data and next week's Chinese Communist Party congress.
"MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.23%, having gained 3.7% so far this month. Japan's Nikkei edged up 1% to another 21-year high," the report said.
Source: The Edge
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