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 26): The FBM KLCI gained 0.44% as buying interest resumed during the second half of trading, with the banking sector picking up following the hike in the overnight policy rate (OPR) announced by the central bank yesterday.
The benchmark index closed 8.06 points or 0.44% higher at 1,853.92.
Hong Leong Investment Bank's head of retail research, Loui Low, said the market is still bullish, supported by foreign investors' interest as well as the gains in banking counters.
He pointed that companies like AirAsia X Bhd saw a lot of trading today as the market is positive of the stronger ringgit, which will be supportive of the airline company.
AirAsia X was the most active counter today with about 249 million shares traded. The stock jumped four sen or 10.1% to 43.5 sen.
Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd led the gainers with an increase of RM4 or 3.7% to RM111.50 while Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd led decliners with a fall of 60 sen or 1.7% to RM35.84.
A total of 3.2 billion shares worth RM2.4 billion were traded. Across the board, decliners led gainers at 562 to 380 while 446 counters were traded unchanged.
Elsewhere, the Nikkei share average ended lower in choppy trade as investors locked in profits ahead of the weekend while mining shares and financial firms underperformed the market, said Reuters.
Source: The Edge
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