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 30): The FBM KLCI closed up 2.21 points or 0.13% at 1,685.94 points today, as investor sentiment remained cautious and uncertain on domestic and global factors.
“It may have just been a technical rebound as the underlying tone is still volatile,” said Kenny Yee, head of research at Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd.
Yee told theedgemarkets.com that Wall Street stock movements are still likely to lead the way for local investors, while they keep a lookout for Budget 2019 to be announced on Friday.
Gainers were led by Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd and Airasia Group Bhd, while top decliners were Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd, Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Bhd and United Plantations Bhd.
Most actively-traded counters were Datasonic Group Bhd, Seacera Group Bhd and Sapura Energy Bhd.
Across Asia, shares were choppy as investors remained cautious on Sino-US trade war developments, Reuters reported.
Japan’s Nikkei erased early losses to climb 1.5%, while MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.9%, after swinging in and out of negative territory, the newswire said.
Source: The Edge
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