Markets

Asian shares track Wall Street to record highs but higher oil prices a risk

SYDNEY: Asian shares tracked Wall Street higher on Thursday, led by record highs in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as investors shrugged off higher oil prices from more shipping woes in the Gulf and focused on strong corporate earnings.

Markets

FBM KLCI bounces higher, but stays range-bound

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI opened slightly higher, staying within reach of the 50-day simple moving average as investors practised caution amid the mixed headlines from the Middle East.

Forex

Ringgit opens lower vs greenback amid caution over US-Iran talks

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened lower against the US dollar on Thursday, weighed by cautious sentiment as traders awaited clearer outcomes from ongoing United States-Iran negotiations.

Markets

SC named best regulator in promoting Islamic finance for third year running

KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has been honoured as the "Best Regulator in Promoting Islamic Finance" for the third consecutive year at the IFN Awards.

Economy

South Korea economic growth roared past estimates in Q1, thanks to chips

SEOUL: South Korea's economy beat expectations in the first quarter of 2026 to recordthe fastest growth since mid-2020, as booming semiconductor demand offset the drag of weak public spending, central bank data showed on Thursday.

Corporate News

Trading ideas: PetChem, Affin, Willowglen, JAG, Samchem, Jetson, Leform, CapitaLand, United Plantations, AmFirst REIT, AME REIT, Foodie, Mayu, LBS, TAS

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

Markets

S&P, Nasdaq hit records on Iran ceasefire extension, earnings

US stocks climbed on Wednesday to send the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to closing records, after US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, with a round of solid corporate earnings providing additional support for optimism.

Commodities

Oil jumps on US fuel stock drop, reports of Hormuz attacks

Oil prices settled up by more than US$3 on Wednesday after a surprise gasoline and distillate stock draw in the US, and on reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz amid a lack of progress in peace talks between the US and Iran.

Corporate News

Halliburton sees signs of North American rebound

Halliburton Co sees early signs of a resurgence in North American oilfields as the Iran war disrupts Middle East production and drives up prices. 

Insight

Palm oil deserves a day

I once dragged lobsters into a palm oil article. Not because I had lost my way between the estate and the seafood aisle, but because the lobster had a lesson to teach.

STARPICKS

BUKIT KAYU HITAM ICD TO POWER CROSS-BORDER TRADE

The Bukit Kayu Hitam Inland Container Depot (ICD) is rapidly emerging as one of the most important logistics developments in Northern Malaysia, positioning itself as a key gateway for cross-border trade between Malaysia and Thailand.

Economy

Jakarta holds the line on subsidised prices

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia warns prices of non-subsidised fuels could rise again as global oil prices remain volatile.

Corporate News

Italian firm Eni announces ‘giant’ Geliga gas discovery

Italian energy giant Eni announces a major gas discovery off the coast of East Kalimantan, with estimated reserves of five trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 300 million barrels of condensate.

Economy

Necessity-led firms offer shelter as sentiment dips

Consumer companies with a necessities-oriented product mix are expected to fare better amid disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

Corporate News

Quill Group inks MoU with China’s FAW for Hongqi distribution

Quill Group has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese automobile manufacturer First Automotive Works (FAW) Group to be the importer and distributor of luxury car brand Hongqi in Malaysia.

Banking

China banks accelerating global expansion

As Chinese banks accelerate their global push in support of the country's high-level opening-up, international expansion is rapidly emerging as a new battleground.

Corporate News

Apple’s new CEO faces talent‑retention test

John Ternus, Apple Inc's next chief executive officer, is up against a major challenge as he settles into the role: retaining top talent during a time of historic turnover. 

Insight

Iran war may crush oil demand today, but send it soaring long term

While oil demand destruction deepens with each passing day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the longer-term impact of the Iran war may paradoxically work in oil's favour.

Support Line

SupportLine

Eastern & Oriental Bhd surged yesterday to clear the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) as its resumed a bullish trend.

Corporate News

Public Bank holds firm on growth trajectory

Public Bank Bhd is well-positioned to remain resilient against inflationary pressures, given its long-standing focus on high-quality assets, supported by its industry-leading loan loss coverage (LLC) of 150%, says Kenanga Research.