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 30): Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close marginally higher on Tuesday due to bargain hunting in selected heavyweights, particularly telecommunications, oil and gas and plantation stocks, said an analyst. At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 0.23% or 3.41 points to 1,513.98 from 1,510.57 at Monday’s closing. The benchmark index opened 2.01 points firmer at 1,512.58 and moved between 1,511.27 and 1,519.62 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, gainers led losers 576 to 464, while 392 counters were unchanged, 873 untraded, and 63 others suspended. Turnover decreased to 5.67 billion units valued at RM7.97 billion from Monday’s 6.14 billion units worth RM5.19 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said Tuesday’s gainers were led by Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, which increased 90 sen to RM21.04; PPB Group Bhd, which rose 82 sen to RM17.82; and Petronas Gas Bhd, which was up...