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 (Aug 3): The FBM KLCI ended 1.96 points or 0.11% higher on bargain hunting and as investors evaluated changes in corporate Malaysia amid heightened US-China trade war concerns.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed at 1,780.09 points after falling to its intraday low at 1,773.89 points as the US-China trade war intensified. Reuters reported that investors also remain cautious ahead of the July US jobs report due later on Friday, which will give a reading on the health of the world's largest economy and possible clues about the pace of Federal Reserve interest rate rises.
In Malaysia, a senior fund manager with a foreign investment bank told theedgemarkets.com: “Investors are looking for clues as they absorb the latest changes in the local corporate scene.”
The fund manager might be referring to Malaysia corporate news including Khazanah Nasional Bhd's announcement today on the appointment of Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan as managing director. Khazanah said Shahril is scheduled to report for duty as managing director on Aug 20, 2018.
Across Bursa Malaysia today, 1.85 billion shares worth RM1.58 billion changed hands. Top gainers included United Plantations Bhd and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.
Leading decliners included Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Yong Tai Bhd.
Source: The Edge
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