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 (Jan 30): The FBM KLCI closed down 0.58 point at its intraday low after late selling of KLCI-linked stocks led to a sharp drop in the index during the final trading hour. Fund managers said the late selling could be due to investors' month-end portfolio restructuring ahead of the Federal Territory Day holiday tomorrow. At 5pm today, the KLCI closed at 1,683.53 after rising to its intraday high at 1,695.4. The KLCI was in green territory for most of the day as global investors took cue from the US Federal Reserve's interest rate stance. Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong Teck Meng told theedgemarkets.com that the KLCI closed in the red due to last-minute selling in selective KLCI stocks, possibly due to portfolio restructuring. “There’s possibly a mandate to sell down some of the big stocks held by January, and today is the last day of the month,” said Wong. Malaysian markets will be closed tomorrow for the...