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 (Nov 16): The FBM KLCI rose 0.72% for a third consecutive day of gains amid continued expectations of slowing trade tensions between the US and China ahead of the G20 meeting later this month.
The benchmark index trailed overnight gains at Wall Street to open higher today, and stayed flat in the green before closing up 12.17 points at 1,706.38.
Reuters reported that Asian shares had started firm after reports the US might pause on further China tariffs gave Wall Street a fillip, but a near 17% plunge in Nvidia's stock tempered the mood.
Across Bursa Malaysia, gainers led decliners by 450 counters against 345, whereas 390 counters traded unchanged. Some 1.85 billion shares worth RM1.89 billion exchanged hands.
An analyst at AmInvest Research attributed the market-wide gain to "short-term optimism based on global market movements and news on international trade".
"People are expecting [US president Donald] Trump and [China president] Xi Jinping to iron [out] some of the trade concerns in the G20 Summit in Argentina," said the analyst.
"China is a heavyweight for Asian shares, whereas the development over at Brexit is more isolated towards the EU," the analyst added.
Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.31%, South Korea's Kospi gained 0.21% and the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite jumped 0.41%.
In Malaysia, gainers were led by KLCI component stock Nestle (M) Bhd, Apex Healthcare Bhd and Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd. British American Tobacco (M) Bhd led decliners, followed by Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd and KESM Industries Bhd.
Source: The Edge
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