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...
Merck & Co reported better-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by strong growth in Keytruda, its blockbuster cancer immunotherapy and the world's best-selling prescription medicine.
Merck posted a profit of $5.5 billion ($2.14 per share) for the quarter, compared to a loss of $6 billion ($2.35 per share) a year earlier due to a large acquisition-related charge. Excluding one-time items, Merck earned $2.28 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $2.15.
Sales for the quarter rose 7% to $16.1 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations of $15.8 billion. Keytruda sales hit $7.3 billion, up 16% from a year ago, beating the $7.1 billion expected by analysts.
Merck also recently launched Winrevair, a drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which recorded $70 million in sales during the quarter, surpassing expectations.
The company raised its full-year sales forecast to $63.4 billion to $64.4 billion, up from $63.1 billion to $64.3 billion. However, it lowered its full-year earnings forecast to $7.94 to $8.04 per share, down from $8.53 to $8.65, due to a $1.3 billion charge related to its acquisition of EyeBio.
Merck's shares were down 2% in premarket trading.
Key Takeaways:
- Merck’s Q2 profit was $5.5 billion ($2.14 per share), compared to a loss of $6 billion ($2.35 per share) a year earlier.
- Excluding one-time items, Merck earned $2.28 per share, beating the $2.15 expected by analysts.
- Quarterly sales rose 7% to $16.1 billion, exceeding expectations.
- Keytruda sales were $7.3 billion, up 16%, beating analyst expectations.
- Winrevair, a new drug for PAH, recorded $70 million in sales.
- Merck raised its full-year sales forecast but lowered its earnings forecast due to acquisition-related charges.
- Merck's shares fell 2% in premarket trading.
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