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 5): The FBM KLCI closed 14.52 points or 0.8% higher as anticipation of Malaysia's 14th general election (GE14) in 2018 and a stronger ringgit drove investors’ sentiment.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed at its intraday high of 1,817.97 points.
In currency markets, the ringgit appreciated to 3.9975 against the US dollar at 5:50pm after trading between 3.9887 and 4.0055 today.
“The (stock market) rally is expected to firm up towards GE14 and people are buying on stronger ringgit," Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd retail research analyst Loui Low Ley Yee told theedgemarkets.com.
Low said Malaysian shares' "near-term performance depends on corporate results (announcements) in February." He said "if earnings are weak, there might be a (stock market) consolidation.”
Across Bursa Malaysia today, trading volume was 5.84 billion shares worth RM3.94 billion.
Notable gainers included Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd and Axiata Group Bhd.
Sapura Energy Bhd was the most-actively traded counte with some 332 million shares transacted. Sapura Energy rose 9.5 sen to 81 sen.
Source: The Edge
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