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 23): The FBM KLCI gained 4.89 points or 0.3% as Asian shares rose to record closing highs after US policy makers reached a deal to end the government shutdown.
At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI closed at its intraday high of 1,838.04 points. AmInvestment Bank Bhd research analyst Lim Sae Wai told theedgemarkets.com that "market sentiment is still bullish-biased."
Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.29% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 1.66%. Reuters reported that Asian stocks advanced on Tuesday after US senators struck a deal to end a government shutdown in a boost to Wall Street, while the dollar turned higher against the yen after Bank Of Japan's chief reiterated his support for quantitative easing.
It was reported that Japan's Nikkei share average on Tuesday ended at its highest in more than 26 years, with real estate and precision machinery stocks leading the gains. Hong Kong stocks hit another fresh record on Tuesday, aided by continuous inflows of mainland money, and strength in IT and financial stocks.
Across Bursa Malaysia, trading volume was 3.91 billion shares worth RM3.02 billion. Top gainer was British American Tobacco (M) Bhd (BAT) followed by Top Glove Corp Bhd.
BAT rose 78 sen to RM32.78 while Top Glove added 64 sen to RM9.79.
Source: The Edge
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