Markets

US bond markets soar on prospects of peace

Treasuries mostly advanced as investors dialled back expectations for Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate hikes following news of a deal to halt the Iran war.

Economy

Australia central bank holds key rate as economy softens

Australia's central bank has kept its key interest rate unchanged for the first time this year in response to signs that its trio of hikes are beginning to weigh on the nation's economy.

Insight

Digital banking – the next frontier

Across the world, customer expectations of banking are shifting rapidly. What was once a transactional utility has become a primary enabler of lifestyle and business goals.

Auto

Perodua EV repricing might ramp up sales

Perodua's repricing of its QV-E electric vehicle (EV) and the introduction of an outright purchase option could help drive demand for the model, says Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research.

Telcos

Telcos expected to deliver steady earnings growth

The telecommunications sector is expected to deliver steady earnings growth despite lingering concerns over 5G wholesaler Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), with analysts maintaining a "neutral" stance while favouring selected operators with stronger earnings visibility and cost-saving catalysts.

Corporate News

Vantris turnaround on track on balance sheet strength

BIMB Securities Research remains positive on Vantris Energy Bhd, saying the group's turnaround story remains intact as it moves closer to exiting its Practice Note 17 (PN17) status following two consecutive profitable quarters and a significantly improved balance sheet.

Corporate News

Deleum set to benefit from rising demand for gas turbines, well services

Deleum Bhd's oilfield integrated services (OIS) segment is expected to remain the group's key earnings growth driver, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research.

Economy

Activity recovery to spur O&G jobs

Despite easing energy prices, AmInvestment Bank Research (AmResearch) has upgraded Malaysia's oil and gas (O&G) sector to an "overweight".

Plantations

El Nino risk for planters

The plantation sector could face renewed weather-related risks over the next year as the return of El Nino threatens agricultural production across South-East Asia, even as concerns over fertiliser supply disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict begin to ease.

Corporate News

MARC gears up for DC bond shift

Malaysia's data centre (DC) industry is currently financed by banks, but as the sector matures, it is expected to increasingly turn to the debt capital market to raise funds via bonds and sukuk.

Corporate News

Maybank to remain strong in Indonesia despite lower 1Q26 ROE

Malayan Banking Bhd's (Maybank) operations in Indonesia remain a central pillar of its Asean strategy, despite being its lowest-returning market with an annualised return on equity (ROE) of 3.94% in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), compared with the group's 11.2% ROE.

Corporate News

Scanwolf wins RM75mil apartment job

Scanwolf Corp Bhd has secured a contract from Hallson Construction Sdn Bhd for pilling and substructure works for a serviced apartment project at Jalan Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, worth RM75mil.

Corporate News

Greentec in metal recovery business tie-up

Greentronics Technology Bhd (Greentec) has entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Hong Kong-based Achelous Pure Metal Co Ltd (Achelous HK) and its 60%-owned subsidiary Achelous Greentech Sdn Bhd to undertake the business of metal recovery.

Economy

Malaysia’s total trade hits RM3.1 trillion last year

Malaysia's total trade expanded to RM3.1 trillion last year, comprising RM1.6 trillion in exports and RM1.5 trillion in imports, with Penang continuing to lead the export performance, according to the Statistics Department.

Corporate News

LAC Med unit bags RM79mil hospital job

LAC Med Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, LAC Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd, has secured a RM78.9mil contract to supply and deliver reagents and related items for chemistry tests to public hospitals in Kedah.

Corporate News

Tough streaming battle for Astro

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd's outlook remains challenging as it continues to face significant structural challenges as consumers increasingly shift to streaming platforms and short-form video content, putting sustained pressure on the pay-television operator's subscriber base, revenue and earnings.

Corporate News

Rest N Go eyes larger footprint

RNG Tech Bhd plans to strengthen its presence in the domestic market by making its self-service massage chairs more accessible in even more locations.

Markets

Equities to rebound in 2H26 over peace deal

Affin Hwang Investment Bank Research (Affin Hwang IB) expects Malaysia's equity market to rebound in the second half of 2026 (2H26), supported by a potential US-Iran peace deal. 

Corporate News

EV insurance remains profitable for Allianz

The electric vehicle (EV) insurance segment remains profitable for Allianz Malaysia Bhd, with premium increases expected to remain manageable despite challenges seen in more mature EV markets overseas.

Corporate News

Sime Darby dethrones Maybank in Fortune ranking

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has lost its crown as Malaysia's top revenue earner, with Sime Darby Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) charging ahead in Fortune's latest South-East Asia 500 ranking.