Insight

A wartime economy set to be different this time

I recently heard a terrifying prediction: Advances in defence technology will change the way war is waged today as much as industrialisation did in World War I.

Corporate News

Cost inflation may trigger AmBank strategy review

AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank) could reassess its growth strategy, particularly within its business banking portfolio, if oil prices stay elevated for a prolonged period amid persistent cost inflation.

Telcos

Dividend yields add lustre to telecoms sector

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) may fund longer-term capital expenditure from additional borrowings, freeing internally generated cash for dividends moving forward.

Nation

Climate burns hole in pet owners’ wallets

KUALA LUMPUR: Caring for pets during unpredictable wea­ther requires owners to adapt their routines and often leads to increased expenses.

Corporate News

Maybank to shift head office to Menara Merdeka 118

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) will relocate its head office from Menara Maybank in Jalan Tun Perak to Menara Merdeka 118 effective May 6, 2026.

Nation

Durians arrive earlier and tastier

GEORGE TOWN: Durians have hit the streets early with the D604, Lipan and even Musang King varieties kickstarting the season in Penang.

Corporate News

MTT Shipping’s listing raises RM653mil

MTT Shipping and Logistics Bhd slipped below its initial public offering (IPO) price on its market debut, turning underwater after an initially firm start.

Insurance

ITOs still under pressure from surging medical claims

Domestic insurance and takaful operators (ITOs) can expect elevated medical claims to remain a near-term headwind, says BIMB Securities Research.

Economy

Matrade aids MSME exports with RM5bil scheme

The government's RM5bil financial guarantee initiative for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is expected to provide a significant boost to the sector, particularly exporters, by strengthening their working capital and sustaining trade momentum amid current cost pressures.

Economy

Regional investment key to Asean growth

Domestic companies need to look beyond investing solely in one another and take a more deliberate, strategic approach to investing across the region.

Nation

No horsing around with animal safety in erratic weather

CYBERJAYA: Most pet owners are well aware of how to care for their pets during unpredictable weather, says Department of Veterinary Services director-­general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron.

Economy

New Zealand inflation stays stubbornly high

New Zealand inflation unexpectedly stayed above the top of the Reserve Bank's (RBNZ) 1% to 3% target in the first quarter, prompting markets to boost bets on a July interest rate hike as the impact of an expected Iran-war driven surge in fuel prices is still to come.

Corporate News

Apple names Ternus as next CEO, Tim Cook as chairman

Apple Inc chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook will hand the reins to hardware boss John Ternus later this year, capping a 15-year tenure that turned the company into a US$4 trillion business spanning watches, video streaming and financial services.

Markets

Upbeat outlook for equities

Despite heightened geopolitical risks and volatile oil prices, analysts are growing more upbeat on Malaysian equities, pushing the consensus target for the FBM KLCI higher to 1,948 points from 1,905 just weeks ago.

Cycling

Harrif: Expose juniors to elite category earlier to fast-track progress

KUALA LUMPUR: Road cycling legend Harrif Salleh feels the sport needs a bold transformation by highlighting young talent to compete in senior-level races.

Corporate News

CIMB profits to stay firm

While CIMB Group Holdings Bhd may continue to face headwinds in multiple geographies, its high dividend yields bolstered by special dividends, an ongoing turnaround in the Thailand region and solid non-interest income (NOII) prospects still make it an attractive pick.

Auto

Auto sales to soften on cautious spending

The auto sales momentum is expected to ease in April as cautious consumer sentiment and external risks weigh on demand, while tighter fuel subsidy quotas may support electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) adoption.

Nation

All eyes on Negri assembly 

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan state legislative assembly sitting is usually a quiet affair. But the opening of the assembly tomorrow has become a closely watched one after an unprecedented move to depose the state Ruler.

Economy

Thai rice output likely to rise on good weather

Rice exports are another important source of income for Thailand.

Economy

E&E demand to support export growth in 2026

Exports are expected to stay strong into 2026, helping to support overall economic growth despite rising global risks.