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 (Oct 18): The FBM KLCI fell 0.15% today in tandem with the day's general negative performance across the region.
The benchmark index closed at 1,738.01, down 2.58 points from yesterday.
Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd senior analyst Kenneth Leong said the decline reflected regional sentiments.
"In Malaysia, there were some extended profit-taking as well," Leong told theedgemarkets.com.
Reuters reported that US Federal Reserve's minutes for its September meeting showed all policy makers agreed to raise key interest rates for a third time in 2018, knocking global sentiments.
The report added that heavy selling of Chinese shares also soured confidence in the Asian market day, leading to an extension of losses in Japanese stocks.
Japan's Nikkei 225 closed 0.8% lower at 22,658.16, after a surprise decline in exports data, a first in 22 months.
China's Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite fell 2.94% to 2,486.42.
On Bursa Malaysia, decliners led gainers by 438 to 307, with 436 counters traded unchanged.
Top gainers included Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd and Heineken Malaysia Bhd, while top actives included Borneo Oil Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd.
Source: The Edge
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