Stock on the Move

DRB-Hicom shares up on revised US$110.62mil purchase price for Spirit MY

KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom Bhd's shares climbed in early trade on Friday after the group proposed acquiring the entire equity interest in Spirit Aerosystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Spirit MY) for US$110.62 million (US$1=RM4.1), higher than the previously estimated enterprise value of US$95.2 million.

Aviation

AirAsia X eyes second-tier cities and broader Europe-Central Asia connectivity next year

ISTANBUL: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) aims to strengthen its global footprint by tapping into new markets, expanding its fleet, and exploring second-tier cities next year as international travel demand continues to climb.

Markets

Japan's Nikkei skids in subdued Asia as bets of rate hike grow

SYDNEY: Japan's Nikkei skidded on Friday, wiping out this week's gains amid an otherwise subdued Asian session, after weaker-than-expected spending data underscored the scourge of inflation as bets grew that the Bank of Japan would hike interest rates.

Commodities

Oil prices head for 2% weekly gain as Fed hopes boost market, Venezuela tensions loom

WTI OIL prices were heading for weekly gains of close to 2% in early trading on Friday, supported by an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut, escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions and stalled peace talks in Moscow.

Forex

Ringgit opens stronger at RM4.10 vs greenback

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened firmer on Friday at around RM4.10 to the US dollar, with improving fiscal conditions supporting investor sentiment toward the local currency.

Markets

Subdued trading on Bursa continues as traders await Fed rate decision

KUALA LUMPUR: Sentiment on the local stock market remains weak after two straight losing sessions as the final month of 2025 has provided few domestic trading catalysts.

Corporate News

Trading ideas: DRB-Hicom, Al-Aqar, Haily, Pharmaniaga, Gagasan Nadi, Paragon, Orkim, BMS, VS Industry, APB, Destini, MSC, Only World, HB Global, Jetson

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

Commodities

Oil settles up on expectations of Fed rate cut

Oil prices settled up on Thursday on investors' expectations for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, while stalled Ukraine peace talks tempered expectations of a deal restoring Russian oil flows.

Markets

Indices end near flat, supported by Fed hopes

US stocks closed near the unchanged mark on Thursday, as investors weighed a report on the labour market and other economic data, while equities drew support from elevated hopes for a Federal Reserve interest-rate cut next week.

Economy

Indonesia to maintain 5% growth to 2027

Indonesia's economy is expected to grow at a rate of 5% this year and next, supported by resilient domestic demand, improving financial conditions and a moderately expansionary fiscal stance, according to the latest assessment from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Corporate News

AI fears leave Salesforce shares unusually cheap

Salesforce Inc shares have never been cheaper, but investors still aren't buying amid rising fears about artificial intelligence (AI) eroding the company's growth prospects.

Economy

‘Snow break’ reshaping domestic travel business

As temperatures plunge across northern parts of China, consumer sentiment is heating up, as a newly introduced "snow break" is swiftly reshaping travel and local spending patterns.

Economy

Thailand updates liquor production laws

Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Excise Department, revealed that the Cabinet has approved the revised 2025 Liquor Production Act, aiming to align the licensing criteria for liquor production with current industry needs.

Insight

HSBC chair is one of the toughest jobs – Fancy it?

HSBC Holdings Plc's hunt for a new chair is over – for a few years, at least.

Insight

Rising yuan won’t slow China’s export boom

China's desire to keep its exports growth engine roaring seems at odds with the steady appreciation of its currency.

Corporate News

Huang unsure if China will accept its H200 chips

Nvidia Corp chief executive officer (CEO) Jensen Huang says he's unsure whether China would accept the company's H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips should the United States relax restrictions on sales of the processors, following a meeting Wednesday with President Donald Trump.

Corporate News

ERB seeks merger with JPMorgan-backed rival multilateral lender

European Rearmament Bank (ERB), an initiative to create a state-backed lender for defence amid the region's worst conflict since World War Two, has proposed merging with a JPMorgan-backed rival to appeal to governments.

Energy

Germany faces growing power gap as delays hit new gas projects

Germany is heading toward a potential power shortfall of between 10 gigawatt (GW) to 24GW in 2030 during high-demand periods as it closes generation faster than it builds replacements – a gap analysts say has to be bridged.

Corporate News

PSP Energy set to expand marine fuel business

PSP Energy Bhd is set to expand its marine fuel business with the development of a bunkering hub at Tanjung Bruas Port in Melaka.

Retail

Retailers pull out the stops to offset inflation, tariff drag

Retailers are trying various strategies to counter the drag from inflation and tariffs, from leaning on wealthier customers and celebrity ads to outright store closures.