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
The European Central Bank (ECB) is facing increasing internal divergence as officials debate the next steps in interest rate cuts, quantitative tightening (QT), and the ongoing battle with inflation. While the ECB has largely succeeded in steering the euro-zone economy toward its 2% inflation target, the path forward is becoming less clear as policymakers differ on how to proceed.
Tensions surfaced last week during discussions in Washington, where policymakers shared differing views on rate cuts, inflation risks, and how to communicate the ECB’s strategy. This comes ahead of the crucial December meeting, where the ECB is expected to make decisions that could impact the broader economic outlook. Policymakers will soon review key data, including inflation figures for October and a report on Germany’s recession, which will provide a clearer picture of the euro zone’s economic health.
Financial markets are currently pricing in about 35 basis points of rate cuts for December, leaving traders divided between a quarter-point or a more aggressive half-point reduction. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized that while the direction of rate cuts is clear, the pace will depend on backward- and forward-looking data.
The divergence within the ECB is evident. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has warned against cutting rates too quickly, while others, such as Lithuania’s Gediminas Simkus, see no case for a larger cut. On the other end, Portugal’s Mario Centeno has advocated for more significant rate cuts, citing economic weakness.
Adding to the complexity, some officials are concerned that accelerating the pace of rate cuts could signal deeper worries about the economic outlook, potentially creating market turbulence. ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane reassured that disinflation is on track, but not all members share his optimism, with some fearing a substantial undershooting of the 2% inflation target.
Another contentious issue is quantitative tightening (QT), with the ECB gradually rolling off bonds from its policy portfolios. The central bank risks a scenario where it simultaneously cuts rates while tightening liquidity, creating a delicate balancing act for policymakers.
As the ECB heads toward its next decision, the internal disagreements reflect a broader challenge in managing economic expectations while maintaining credibility in a rapidly changing environment.
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