In 2018, the central bank collaborated with the World Bank and DFIs to develop an enhanced performance measurement framework for DFIs
Energy
Brent crude was 0.57% higher to US$54.51 per barrel at 3.58pm.
Forex
Ringgit up 0.64% to 4.2115 versus the US dollar at 4.05pm.
Top foreign stories
ECB to start laying groundwork for stimulus exit: European Central Bank president Mario Draghi is set to start laying the groundwork for a cut in monetary stimulus when policymakers meet on Thursday, but a subdued outlook for inflation means he is unlikely to make any commitment yet. — Reuters
All new Jaguar Land Rover cars to have electric option from 2020: All new Jaguar Land Rover cars will be available in an electric or hybrid version from 2020, Britain’s biggest carmaker said on Thursday, as it speeds up plans to electrify its model range. — Reuters
Chinese logistics firm Best, backed by Alibaba, launches US$932m US IPO: Best Inc, a Chinese logistics company backed by Alibaba Group, is launching a US IPO that is seeking as much as US$932 million to fund an expansion of its logistics and supply chain network, develop new technology and open more convenience stores. — Reuters
World Bank executive says won’t persist with capital increase deadline: The World Bank should not be “bogged down” on a specific date for member countries to boost its capital, a senior executive of the multilateral lender said, suggesting a deal won’t be struck before the initial deadline of end-2017. — Reuters
Top local stories
Bank Negara leaves rates unchanged at 3%: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Bank Negara has decided to maintain the overnight policy rate at 3% as it remains upbeat on the economy which is expected to expand faster than earlier expected. — StarBiz
CTOS to offer new analytics tool: CTOS, Malaysia’s largest credit reporting agency, and Handshakes Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, a corporate intelligence service provider, have teamed up to provide corporate intelligence services under the banner “CTos ConneX”. The company said the new analytics tool provides streamlined services to carry out searches of business or person profiles as well as their relationships across various Asian markets. — StarBiz
Malaysia’s total trade to surpass RM1.5 trillion in 2017: The Malaysian Government is confident that the country’s trade will surpass the RM1.5 trillion mark this year, driven by the global demand for electrical and electronics (E&E) products, said International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan. — StarBiz
Malaysia sets up business chamber in Philippines: Malaysia has emerged as the first Asean country to establish a foreign business chamber in the Philippines aimed at cross-promoting the vast opportunities that are yet to be tapped by the two countries. — Bernama
Aeon looking at further malls expansion: Aeon Co (M) Bhd is looking at opening one or two more malls in the peninsula in the next three years following improved consumer sentiments in the retail market since last year. — Bernama
AirAsia wins Asean business award: Budget carrier AirAsia Bhd has bagged this year’s Asean Business Award for priority integration sector - tourism. — Bernama
MIA forms task force to prepare members for game changers: The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has formed a digital economy task force to prepare its members for game changers in the accounting profession. MIA said it would continue to strengthen the accountancy profession by building up the supply and quality of professional accountants in supporting the country’s economy. — Bernama
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