Australia
Energy
Brent crude was 1.46% higher to US$48.68 per barrel at 3.39pm.
Forex
Ringgit up 0.50% to 4.0400 versus the US dollar at 3.49pm.
Top foreign stories
Super Mario’s iPhone surprise fuels hopes for Nintendo: Shares of Nintendo Co surged as much as 18% on Thursday, propelled by a surprise announcement at Apple Inc’s iPhone launch event of the debut of the Japanese firm’s popular game franchise Super Mario Bros on the iPhone. — Reuters
Apple hones marketing for Watch with focus on fitness: Two years after unveiling the Apple Watch with apps and styles that tried to appeal to every need and every customer, Apple Inc has honed its marketing strategy, debuting a second generation product aimed squarely at the health and athletic audience. — Reuters
China Aug imports rise for first time in nearly 2 years, export drop eases: China’s imports unexpected rose in August for the first time in nearly two years while exports fell at a more modest pace, suggesting demand at home and abroad may finally be perking up and putting the world’s second-largest economy on a more balanced footing. Exports fell 2.8% while imports rose 1.5% from a year earlier, ending a 21-month stretch of declines. — Reuters
BoJ’s Nakaso says won’t rule out deepening negative rates: Bank of Japan (BoJ) deputy governor Hiroshi Nakaso said the central bank would not rule out deepening negative interest rates or any other easing steps needed to achieve its price target. — Reuters
Ola to announce new initiative with Mahindra: Indian ride-hailing firm Ola and the country’s top utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra are set to announce a joint initiative on Sept 8, according to an invitation sent to the media. The move will come close on the heels of a string of tie-ups between online taxi services and automakers, keen to cash in on the rising demand and popularity of these services. — Reuters
Qantas, Virgin Australia ground Samsung Note 7 after recall: Australian carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia told customers on Thursday not to use or charge Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 during flights after faulty batteries in the new smartphone caused some handsets to explode. — AFP
New era for F1 as Liberty agrees US$8b takeover: Formula One entered a new era on Wednesday as US billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Media agreed a takeover that values the motorsport at US$8 billion and raises questions over the role of its colourful, long-time mastermind, Bernie Ecclestone. — AFP
ECB likely to point to more easing as it charts steady course: The eurozone economy is widely expected to need more stimulus from the European Central Bank (ECB), but it may not come at the bank’s policy meeting later on Thursday. — Reuters
Top local stories
Ministry mulls proposal for developers to act as money lenders: The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry is mulling a proposal for housing developers to be issued a money lending licence to help non-bankable house buyers and overcome downpayment issues. — Bernama
MAB showing steady progress in turnaround plan: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) is showing steady progress in its turnaround plan and working on generating more revenue, while maintaining strict cost discipline, says chief executive officer Peter Bellew. — Bernama
AirAsia receives first A320NEO aircraft: AirAsia Bhd took delivery of its first A320neo aircraft at a dedicated ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. It is the first CFM International LEAP-1A powered A320neo in South-East Asia and the second worldwide, the carrier said. — Bernama
Daillencourt appointed CEO of AirAsia leasing unit: AirAsia Bhd’s aircraft leasing unit, Asia Aviation Capital Ltd, has appointed Stphane Daillencourt, a French national, president and chief executive officer, effective Nov 1, 2016. — Bernama
Electrolux unveils range of premium Nutrifresh fridges: Electrolux, a global leader in household appliances and the leader in kitchen appliances in Malaysia, has unveiled a new range of premium Nutrifresh fridges for the local market. “This brand new fridge enables consumers to enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables as fresh as the day they were bought,” Electrolux Malaysia and Singapore marketing director Wendy Ho said. — Bernama
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