KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia gave up earlier gains to end mixed today, amid a higher regional market showing, as property, construction, and healthcare counters attracted buying interests, while plantation, banking, and telecommunication stocks saw some profit-taking, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.70 points to close at 1,602.34 from yesterday’s close of 1,604.04. The benchmark index, which opened 0.86 of-a-point lower at 1,603.18, moved between 1,601.02 and 1,608.88 during the trading session. However, the broader market was mixed to higher, with gainers leading decliners by 565 to 438 while 502 counters remained unchanged, 961 untraded, and 14 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 2.83 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion versus 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.23 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the benchmark index remained range-bound and it required a dec
Former President Donald Trump defended his past criticisms of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and hinted at the possibility of offering aid to prospective homebuyers struggling with high mortgage costs.
Key Points:
Fed Criticism: Trump downplayed concerns that his comments about the Fed could undermine its autonomy, stating that as president, he should be able to freely express his views on interest rates. He acknowledged that while he "jawboned" with Fed Chair Jerome Powell during his presidency, it was unclear if his comments had any effect.
Homebuyer Aid: Amid discussions on high interest rates affecting mortgage affordability, Trump suggested he might consider offering assistance to prospective homebuyers struggling to afford a down payment. This comes in contrast to Vice President Kamala Harris's proposal to provide first-time buyers with $25,000 in down payment assistance, which Trump criticized as potentially worsening housing shortages and raising prices.
Fed Independence: Trump's stance on influencing Fed decisions challenges the longstanding practice of allowing the central bank to operate independently of political actors. Historically, U.S. presidents have refrained from commenting on Fed decisions to avoid the perception of trying to influence monetary policy.
Election Strategy: Trump's comments are part of a broader campaign strategy focused on the economy, a key issue where he has consistently held an advantage over President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris. Trump is actively campaigning in swing states, emphasizing his economic policies and differentiating himself from Harris, who has recently become the Democratic nominee for president.
Poll Position: Recent polls show Harris leading Trump overall, but Trump maintains an advantage on economic issues. He has pledged to renew expiring tax cuts and implement tariffs on U.S. allies and adversaries if re-elected.
Campaign Focus: Trump's recent remarks were made during a visit to Pennsylvania, part of a series of campaign stops in key swing states. He continues to contrast his policies with those of Harris, particularly on economic and immigration issues, which are seen as potential weaknesses for the current administration.
Outlook: As the 2024 election campaign intensifies, Trump's focus on the economy and his willingness to challenge the Fed's independence could become key issues. His potential proposal to aid homebuyers may also play a significant role in appealing to voters concerned about housing affordability. However, his approach to the Fed could raise questions about the impact of political influence on monetary policy.
Comments
Post a Comment