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 (Aug 22): The FBM KLCI finished up 7.88 points or 0.49% today, led by AMMB Holdings Bhd share price rise and as investors took cue from overnight US equity gains as they tried to predict the quantum of future US interest rate cuts.
At 5pm today, the KLCI closed up at 1,602.47, led by component AMMB Holdings Bhd's (AmBank) 24 sen or 6.15% rise to RMRM4.14. AMMB was the top percentage gainer among the 30 KLCI stocks.
AMMB shares rose after the financial services provider reported earlier today first quarter net profit climbed to RM391.46 million from RM347.59 million a year earlier. Revenue was higher at RM2.39 billion from RM2.17 billion, AMMB said.
The KLCI closed higher today after falling 8.16 points or 0.51% to 1,594.59 yesterday. Today, Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd senior analyst Kenneth Leong told theedgemarkets.com there is hope for further recovery in the KLCI after he noted that the index had nearly recovered yesterday's loss.
“Should it continue to hold 1,600 over the near term, the KLCI may stage further recovery, targeting the 1,620 and 1,635 levels,” he said.
Today, the KLCI closed higher following overnight US equity gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 0.93%, S&P 500 rose 0.82% while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.9%.
Reuters reported that Wall Street's main indexes rose on Wednesday as upbeat earnings from retailers pointed to strength in US consumer demand, and held gains after minutes from last month's Federal Reserve meeting showed policymakers had debated a more aggressive interest rate cut.
It was reported that minutes from the Fed's policy-setting meeting on July 30-31, when the Fed cut rates by 25 basis points, showed that policymakers debated cutting rates more aggressively. It was reported that some participants preferred a 50-basis-point cut, but the committee was united in wanting to avoid the appearance of being on a path to further rate cuts.
Source: The Edge
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