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Markets

Japan's Nikkei hits record high on loose policy hopes, weaker yen

TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei share average rose to a record high on Wednesday, buoyed by hopes for more fiscal stimulus following a report last week that the government might call a snap election next month.

Markets

FBM KLCI holds firm above 1,700

KUALA LUMPUR: The return of foreign funds to blue chips on Bursa Malaysia could keep the FBM KLCI at multi-year highs, although the recent surge in prices and overbought conditions is anticipated to temper further gains.

Forex

Ringgit opens lower against US$ but higher vs major currencies

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened lower against the US dollar on Wednesday but higher against major currencies amid mixed market sentiment driven by geopolitical risk and Trump's ongoing pressure on the United States Federal Reserve (US Fed).

Auto

Global EV sales growth likely to slow after 20% jump in rocky 2025, research firm says

GLOBAL EV registrations grew 20% last year but are likely to lose pace in 2026, data showed on Wednesday, as a slowdown in China and a relaxation of electrification targets worldwide led in December to the smallest sales increase since February 2024.

Corporate News

Trading ideas: Capital A, LBS Bina, Rimbunan Sawit, Selangor Dredging, Vstecs, Velocity, Jetson, PetDag, Foodie Media

KUALA LUMPUR: Here is a recap of the announcements that made headlines in Corporate Malaysia.

Commodities

Oil prices rise on potential Iran supply disruption

Oil prices surged by more than 2% on Tuesday as the prospect of disruptions to Iranian crude exports overshadowed possible increased supply from Venezuela.

Markets

Wall St falls with financials amid credit-card rate plan concern

US stocks ended lower on Tuesday, led by a drop in financial shares as comments from JPMorgan executives added to worries about US President Donald Trump's recent proposal for a cap on credit-card rates.

Corporate News

Warriors’ parent valued  at US$11bil in stake sale

A minority stake in Golden State Group (GSG), the holding company for the US National Basketball Association's (NBA) Golden State Warriors, is up for sale, according to people familiar with the matter.

Insight

Year-end consumption surge: A sign of recovery or a seasonal mirage?

Indonesia's consumer market experienced a significant surge heading into the year-end festivities.

Insight

Europe’s auto sector likely to surprise investors

After two years of significant underperformance, the European automotive sector is finally showing signs of a turnaround.

Economy

Pimco, PGIM think Trump’s Fed fight will drive up rates

At big bond firms like Pacific Investment Management Co (Pimco), PGIM and DWS Group, money managers warn that President Donald Trump's assault on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) independence is at odds with his goal of pulling down interest rates.

Corporate News

Pfizer CEO plans for soaring market for obesity drugs

Pfizer is preparing for a consumer market for obesity drugs on par with the booming business it saw after it launched erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in 1998, chief executive officer Albert Bourla says.

Corporate News

Medtronic partners with Neuralink rival Precision for brain tech

Medtronic Plc is partnering with brain implant company Precision Neuroscience Corp in a deal that will give the medical device maker access to neural data it can use to develop new products.

Economy

American monetary policy well positioned

Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of New York president John Williams says he expects a healthy economy in 2026 and indicated he sees no near-term reason to cut interest rates.

Commodities

Stable medium-term outlook for CPO prices

Crude palm oil (CPO) prices are expected to remain volatile in 2026, but most analysts see a broadly supportive trading band anchored by structural biofuel demand, seasonal restocking and disciplined supply growth.

Economy

Thai exporters brace  for US court tariff ruling

Thailand's exporters are closely watching a US Supreme Court ruling due today on President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariff" policy, with officials warning the decision could become a turning point for global trade conditions and Thailand's 2026 outlook.

Economy

SBF, PwC outline 18 recommendations

Singapore's apex business chamber is urging the government to boost intellectual property (IP) financing, hasten Asean integration, and work with businesses to support the hiring and retention of older workers.

Corporate News

Healthcare sector rerating likely on big-ticket IPOs 

The initial public offering (IPO)-led rerating of the local healthcare sector could extend beyond hospitals in 2026, with the potential listings of several mega-healthcare groups in 2026, says Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research.

Commodities

Oil nudges up on Iran risk premium

If geopolitical risks in Iran intensifies, the near-term impact on crude oil prices is likely to be greater than that from Venezuela, where production has already been curtailed by years of US sanctions and any incremental changes are expected to be gradual.

Auto

Pricing deal to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese EVs

China and the European Union (EU), after more than a year of talks, have agreed to set minimum prices for imported Chinese electric vehicles (EV) in lieu of hefty tariffs, officials and experts say.