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...
Here’s a brief overview of notable corporate developments:
Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank): Maybank reported an 8.2% increase in net profit for 2QFY2024, reaching RM2.53 billion, driven by lower provisions and tax expenses. The bank declared an interim dividend of 29 sen per share, totaling RM3.5 billion.
KLCCP Stapled Group Bhd: The group saw its 2QFY2024 net profit rise by 5.67% to RM191.06 million, supported by strong performances across its retail and hotel segments. A dividend of 9.2 sen per stapled security was declared.
Sunway Bhd: Sunway posted a significant 80.4% increase in net profit for 2QFY2024, totaling RM270.47 million. This growth was bolstered by gains from investment redemptions and better performance across most business segments. A first interim dividend of two sen per share was announced.
Axiata Group Bhd: Axiata returned to profitability in 2QFY2024, reporting a net profit of RM134.9 million, reversing from a loss of RM576.22 million a year earlier. The company declared a dividend of five sen per share.
Malakoff Corp Bhd: Malakoff recorded a net profit of RM93.6 million in 2QFY2024, recovering from a net loss of RM318.7 million the previous year. This was attributed to higher contributions from power plants and compensation for land acquisition. The company declared a higher interim dividend of 2.23 sen per share.
DRB-Hicom Bhd: The company reported a net loss of RM17.08 million for 2QFY2024, primarily due to weaker performances from Proton Holdings and Pos Malaysia. Revenue dropped by 5.6% to RM3.76 billion.
AirAsia X Bhd: AirAsia X's net profit for 2QFY2024 declined by 13% to RM4.82 million due to a weaker travel season, despite a 30.5% increase in revenue.
Supermax Corp Bhd: Supermax posted its largest quarterly net loss of RM127.93 million for 4QFY2024, impacted by a write-down of high-price inventory. Revenue fell 19.3% y-o-y to RM179.64 million.
IOI Properties Group Bhd: IOI Properties' 4QFY2024 net profit surged over five times to RM1.55 billion, driven by a revaluation gain. The company declared a five sen dividend per share.
Farm Fresh Bhd: Farm Fresh's net profit for 1QFY2025 grew nearly fourfold to RM26 million, supported by higher sales and contributions from its Inside Scoop and Sin Wah ice cream outlets.
QL Resources Bhd: QL Resources reported a 16% increase in net profit for 1QFY2025, mainly due to strong sales from its FamilyMart convenience store chain.
IJM Corp Bhd: IJM's net profit for 1QFY2025 dropped 13.68% to RM86.88 million, affected by unrealized foreign exchange and fair value losses.
Citaglobal Bhd: Citaglobal plans to partner with Tree Technologies Sdn Bhd to develop an eco-friendly industrial park in Gebeng, Pahang. Citaglobal will hold a 65% stake in the joint venture.
Axis Real Estate Investment Trust (Axis REIT): Axis REIT proposed acquiring two industrial assets near Port Klang for RM158.64 million, to be funded through existing bank financing.
Dagang NeXchange Bhd (DNeX): DNeX received a one-year contract extension to manage Malaysia’s National Single Window for Trade Facilitation system.
Pertama Digital Bhd: Pertama Digital is looking to acquire Kridentia Tech Sdn Bhd, a system integration services provider, in an all-shares deal.
Sentoria Group Bhd: Sentoria confirmed the departure of its CEO Datuk Loh Yuen Tuck amid an ongoing dispute over his claim of constructive dismissal.
SkyWorld Development Bhd: SkyWorld will pay RM32.17 million to PR1MA for development rights to build 491 affordable housing units in Brickfields.
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