Jakarta shares tumble

20 Oct, 2005

Indonesian share prices closed 1.82 percent lower on Wednesday, in line with weaker regional markets on concerns the US Federal Reserve may turn more aggressive on raising interest rates, which would add to the pressure on local rates, dealers said.
The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index lost 19.961 points at 1,075.912 on volume of 1.69 billion shares worth 1.24 trillion rupiah (122.53 million dollars.)
Decliners led advancers 87 to 25, while 54 stocks were unchanged.
The rupiah was at 10,105-10,112 to the dollar compared to Tuesday's 10,120-10,130.
"There's concern over another rate hike by the Fed and that will affect interest rates at home," said Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia head of research Christine Salim.
Salim said high inflation in October after the government raised the fuel price last month also added to concerns that the central Bank Indonesia would soon increase its interest rate.
Bank Indonesia on Wednesday maintained its one-month benchmark interest rate steady at 11 percent.
Bank Mandiri dropped 10 rupiah to 1,370 while rival Bank Rakyat Indonesia also fell 75 at 2,350.
Telecom firm Telkom lost 150 to 5,200 while long distance firm Indosat also weakened 150 to 5,400.
Carmaker Astra International fell 300 to 9,350 rupiah.

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