PNB optimistic about 2017

Steady distribution: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar (left) and chief executive Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad at a ceremony to announce the income distribution for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN). PNB’s unit Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB) has announced an income distribution of 6.75 sen per unit and bonus of 0.50 sen per unit for ASB and an income distribution of 5 sen per unit for ASN for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2016. — Bernama See story on page 3

KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), the largest fund-management company in the country, is cautiously optimistic about its outlook for the stock market next year amid external headwinds.

The firm yesterday declared lower payouts for its flagship funds, as stocks on Bursa Malaysia head into their third consecutive year of losses on weak corporate earnings growth and a heavy sell-off by foreign investors.