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...
Key Takeaways:
- Profit Decline: Unisem (M) Bhd's net profit fell 29% to RM16.76 million in Q2FY2024 from RM24 million a year earlier.
- Revenue Increase: Despite the profit drop, revenue rose 4% to RM394.59 million due to higher sales volume and favorable USD to ringgit exchange rates.
- Dividend Announcement: Unisem declared a second interim dividend of two sen per share, payable on October 4.
- Earnings Per Share: EPS decreased to 1.04 sen from 1.48 sen.
- Six-Month Performance: For the first half of 2024, net profit decreased to RM25.22 million from RM33.79 million, while revenue grew to RM759.36 million from RM732.70 million.
- Industry Outlook: The semiconductor industry remains cautious, but Malaysia could benefit from global trade shifts and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
Despite the profit decline, Unisem's share price increased by eight sen to RM4.20 at midday, valuing the company at RM6.77 billion.
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