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 (July 28): Bursa Malaysia ended at an intraday high on Thursday (July 28), thanks to the positive local market sentiment and foreign support, in tandem with the uptrend in the regional markets, a dealer said. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 20.49 points, or 1.39%, to 1,491.2 from Wednesday’s close of 1,470.71. The index opened 1.68 points better at 1,472.39 and gained momentum towards the end of the trading day. On the broader market, gainers trounced losers 653 to 264, while 393 counters were unchanged, 988 untraded and 66 others suspended. Total turnover increased to 2.83 billion units worth RM1.81 billion from 2.19 billion units worth RM1.36 billion on Wednesday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the key regional indices trended broadly higher following upbeat cues on Wall Street overnight. "Investors reacted positively to the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) anticipated interest rate hike....