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 29): The FBM KLCI closed up 5.36 points or 0.34% today on bargain hunting and as foreign selling of Malaysian stocks appeared to have tapered off amid more optimistic corporate financial announcements during the current reporting season.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed up at 1,595.18, led by top percentage gainer IOI Corp Bhd, to snap three consecutive days of losses. Today, the KLCI finished higher after falling to its intraday low at 1,584.83 as world recession concerns amid intensifying US-China trade war and the spectre of a no-deal Brexit affected sentiment.
In Malaysia, Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd research head Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets.com that the unbroken spell of foreign selling appears to have tapered off after more optimistic corporate earnings were released.
Among the 30 KLCI stocks, IOI Corp was the leading percentage gainer after the stock closed up 14 sen or 3.32% at RM4.36 followed by Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd. Hap Seng Consolidated added 29 sen or 3.02% to RM9.90.
Globally, Reuters reported that global bond yields flirted with record lows while stocks inched down on Thursday, as global recession worries from intensifying US-China frictions and the spectre of a no-deal Brexit drove investors to safer harbours. It was reported that bond markets around the world painted a gloomier picture, with yields on 30-year US Treasuries and 10-year German bunds yield both hitting record lows - 1.905 percent and minus 0.716 percent on Wednesday.
In the UK, the most serious political crisis in decades deepened after Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided to suspend Britain's Parliament for more than a month before Brexit, Reuters reported.
It was reported that the move will limit the time opponents have to derail a disorderly Brexit but also increases the chance that Johnson could face a vote of no-confidence in his Government, and possibly an election.
Source: The Edge
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