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 4): The FBM KLCI plunged 34.84 points or 1.88% after China's retaliation against US import tariffs hit Asian stock markets.
Reuters reported that China hit back on Wednesday at US President Donald Trump administration’s plan to slap tariffs on US$50 billion in Chinese goods. It was reported that China retaliated with a list of similar duties on key US imports including soybeans, planes, cars, whiskey and chemicals.
It was reported that China announced it would impose additional tariffs of 25 percent on 106 US products including soybeans, autos and chemicals. US stock futures and Treasury yields also fell on the news.
At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI closed at 1,815.94 at 5pm after hitting its intraday low at 1,811.56.
Maxis Bhd, Digi.Com Bhd and Genting Malaysia Bhd were among blue chips which dragged the KLCI lower.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 3.28 billion shares worth RM2.78 billion were traded. Decliners led gainers by 1,085 to 97 respectively. Among Bursa Malaysia indices, the ACE index fell the most at 7.1% followed by the technology gauge, which declined 7.01%.
Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong Teck Meng told theedgemarkets.com that the announcement of China's import tariffs on US goods had triggered heavy selling in global stock markets.
“I believe that the market will continue to be volatile until the two countries settle for a negotiation,” Wong said.
Across Asian stock markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 2.19% while South Korea's Kospi fell 1.41%. Japan's Nikkei 225 erased losses to close up 0.13%.
Tomorrow (April 5), Hong Kong and Mainland China markets will be closed for the Tomb Sweeping Day or Ching Ming Festival holiday. Mainland China markets will remain closed on Friday (April 6) for the festival.
Source: The Edge
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