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 (April 23): The FBM KLCI fell 7.39 points or 0.4% while Bursa Malaysia's small-cap index dropped by a larger quantum as Asian shares faced headwinds from higher US government bond yields.
Reuters reported that the spike in oil prices has driven up both market expectations of future inflation and long-term bond yields. Yields on 10-year Treasuries are at the highest since early 2014 at 2.977 percent and again threatening the hugely important 3 percent bulwark. The last time yields neared this number in 2013 it rocked risk appetite and sent stocks sliding.
At Bursa Malaysia today, the KLCI closed at 1,880.36. Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.33% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.54%.
In Malaysia, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice president of research Vincent Lau told theedgemarkets.com: “If you look at the regional market, you can see that the market is afraid of all the uncertainties that are coming up. The rise in the US 10-year note (yields) and how that will affect the equity market, the selldown in the US tech-related counters as well as the occasional tweet by US President (Donald) Trump.”
Across Bursa Malaysia, volume stood at 1.94 billion shares worth RM1.66 billion. Bursa Malaysia's small-cap index fell 252.72 points or 1.7% to close at 14,638.24.
Source: The Edge
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