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 16): The FBM KLCI gained 8.1 points or 0.47% to close at its intraday high after a sudden surge in the final trading hour. At a glance, the KLCI surged as prices of index-linked stocks Hong Leong Bank Bhd and MISC Bhd spiked.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed at 1,736.84 points. Hong Leong Bank shares rose 44 sen to RM20.94 while MISC added 13 sen to RM5.68.
Both Hong Leong Bank and MISC ended among Bursa Malaysia top gainers.
Consumer stocks Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd and Heineken Malaysia Bhd ended among Bursa top decliners as investors’ attention appeared to have shifted away from consumer stocks to selected blue chips.
Pong said investors sold consumer stocks like Carlsberg, Dutch Lady and Heineken "as the valuation of these defensive counters have risen and investors see no further upside for the consumer sector."
Source: The Edge
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