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Banking

Banks likely to exceed lending limits for projects

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has proposed allowing banks to extend credit beyond normal regulatory limits for major projects in Hanoi to facilitate funding for large infrastructure developments in the capital city, while also ensuring the stability of the banking system.

Economy

China drains cash from economy during oil shock

China's central bank withdrew cash from its financial system for the first time in a year, a cautious signal that keeps its policy options open as higher oil prices filter through the economy.

Economy

Former BoJ chief economist sees likelihood of April rate hike

The war in Iran is raising upside risks for inflation, bolstering the case for the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to raise interest rates as soon as this month, according to a former BoJ chief economist.

Plantations

CPO rally to lift earnings of upstream planters 

The current crude palm oil (CPO) rally is expected to boost the near-term earnings of plantation companies, particularly the pure upstream planters, say analysts.

Corporate News

Exsim’s outstanding order book healthy at RM300mil 

Exsim Hospitality Bhd's cumulative year-to-date new job wins including its latest RM41.5mil contract, have increased to RM226.2mil for the financial year 2026 (FY26), which lifted the group's total outstanding order book to about RM300.1mil.

Corporate News

Impressive take-up for Matrix’s industrial space 

Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd's newest phase of semi-detached factory units at the MVV TechValley Biz Park in Negri Sembilan has recorded more than 85% take-up during its pre-launch, underscoring strong market confidence in the development.

Telcos

JP2 rollout expected to boost telecommunications coverage

Mobile network operators (MNOs) and tower infrastructure providers will benefit from improved coverage and connectivity once the Jalinan Digital Negara Phase 2 (JP2) project is rolled out.

Energy

Economic needs drive Asia’s green momentum, says Gentari

Asia's energy transition is moving with perpetual momentum, with the shift towards renewables increasingly anchored on economic growth needs rather than purely environmental considerations, says global clean energy company Gentari.

Corporate News

Dialog finalises Cendramas PSC with PETRONAS

Dialog Group Bhd has finalised and signed the Cendramas production sharing contract (PSC) with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and its partners.

Banking

Rise in gross impaired loans still manageable

There is a rise in gross impaired loans (GIL) across the banking sector early this year, according to the latest banking statistics in February.

Corporate News

Proton commits to strengthen auto ecosystem

Proton Holdings Bhd has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country's automotive ecosystem and supporting the long-term development of automotive industrialisation in the country.

Corporate News

Global Electronics, Mimos ink MoU to sharpen semiconductor edge

The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) and Mimos Bhd have signed a memorandum of understanding or MoU to collaborate in strengthening Malaysia's electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.

Corporate News

High-five for MAG

The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has not made any solid decisions to cancel any additional flights other than the ones they have already, nor increase ticket prices for now.

Corporate News

Data centres drive IJM’s order book with new wins

IJM Corp Bhd is riding the data centre boom, with such jobs now accounting for nearly half of its order book and more contract wins expected ahead.

Forex

Ringgit closes easier against US dollar amid war uncertainty

The ringgit closed easier against the US dollar yesterday after gaining ground on Wednesday, with market sentiment remaining cautious amid President Trump's unpredictable stance on the US-Iran conflict, leading to constant changes in risk appetite among traders and investors.

Economy

‘Malaysia’s economy can still surprise on upside’

Malaysia's economic growth can still surprise on the upside, depending on the duration of the West Asia conflict, says Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Datuk Marzunisham Omar.

Economy

Manufacturing strains under rising inflation

Rising inflationary pressures are emerging as a key risk to Malaysia's manufacturing recovery, even as the sector returned to expansion last month in March.

Corporate News

Red ink spreads at VSI as 3Q losses loom

Analysts have turned cautious on integrated electronics manufacturing services company VS Industry Bhd (VSI) following its results briefing, where management guided for another loss-making quarter in the third quarter of its financial year ending July 31, 2026 (3Q26).

Corporate News

Estee Lauder, Puig advance talks to combine in mostly stock deal

Estee Lauder Cos and Spain's Puig Brands SA are advancing in negotiations to combine, people familiar with the matter say, putting the two family-owned companies on track to create one of the world's largest luxury beauty players.

Markets

Commodity-related indices rebound strongly

The uncertainties surrounding conflict in West Asia makes gauging outcomes difficult, according to MBSB Research in a report on the second quarter 2026 (2Q26) outlook.