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 (May 7): The FBM KLCI closed 13.63 points or 0.7% lower amid cautious sentiment ahead of Malaysia's 14th General Election (GE14) on Wednesday.
At 5pm, the KLCI settled at 1,828.2 points after trading between 1,821.79 and 1,842.56 points. Bursa Malaysia's small-cap index dropped 183.26 points or 1.26% to settle at 14,392.40 points.
“Everyone is looking and focusing at the GE14 outcome," Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd head of retail research Loui Low told theedgemarkets.com.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 1.92 billion shares worth RM2.1 billion were traded. KLCI-linked Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd were the KLCI's leading decliners in percentage terms.
TM shares closed 3.1% lower at RM5 while Astro fell 2.22% to RM1.76.
Source: The Edge
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