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 (Feb 23): The FBM KLCI recovered on Friday, albeit marginally, on bargain hunting after two days of decline.
The bellwether index gained 3.62 points or 0.23% to 1,549.11, after moving between 1,544.18 and 1,551.15.
The top gaining constituents that pulled the index to the positive were YTL Corp Bhd, which rose 14.88% to RM2.47, YTL Power International Bhd (up 6.35% to RM4.02), and Sime Darby Bhd (up 1.53% to RM2.65).
Across the region, the KLCI led the pack with its 0.23% gain. The Philippines Stock Exchange Index trailed behind with a 0.15% rise, while the Stock Exchange of Thailand Index was down 0.35%, as was the Jakarta Composite (down 0.61%) and the Straits Times Index (down 1.24%).
Overall, market breadth on Bursa Malaysia was negative, as 448 stocks advanced, 613 retreated and 458 closed unchanged, with 4.07 billion shares worth RM3.21 billion traded.
Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd, which closed unchanged at two sen, continued to be the most actively traded stock on the bourse, followed by Powerwell Holdings Bhd (up 7.41% to 29 sen) and YTL Corp.
The FBM Top 100 index, with a 0.09% gain, outperformed both the FBM Small Cap (down 0.31%) and FBM Ace (down 0.42%) indices.
The majority of sectoral indices were in the red, barring utilities, property, REIT and financial services. The utilities index reversed course to be top gainer with a 3.14% increase on Friday, while healthcare was the top loser with a 1.43% drop.
Source: The Edge
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