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FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI

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257 stories mentioning FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIUpdated 45m ago

Extended gains, mirroring regional markets, after the US and Iran signed a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Asia

Islamic Syndicated Financing to Continue Growing in 2026 Despite Iran War, Fitch Says

Fitch Ratings expects Islamic syndicated financing to sustain a positive trajectory into 2026 amid an aversion for public US dollar sukuk and bonds due to the Iran war, according to a recent release.Issuers are leaning more into syndications, including Islamic, due to their private nature, reduced requirements, and accommodative banking systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Fitch said.Proceeds raised through Islamic syndications in core markets, which include Indonesia and Malaysia among other nations, exceeded those from dollar sukuk issuance in the first quarter, compared to a slowdown in conventional syndication, the rating agency said.In the longer term, post-war market appetite, access, and funding requirements will determine the dynamics of Islamic syndications, Fitch's global head of Islamic finance, Bashar Al Natoor, said.Syndications serve as a key funding channel even in periods of market uncertainty, with about 65% of Fitch-rated global Islamic banks and multilaterals being investment grade, the analyst said.Reported global outstanding Islamic syndication expanded by more than 26% year over year to $219 billion at the end of the first quarter, with Islamic syndication issued in core markets surging 294% year over year to $23 billion.

^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Postpones Planned Carbon Tax Amid Middle East Worries

Malaysia has delayed its planned carbon tax implementation, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, The Star reported Tuesday, citing Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Arthur Joseph Kurup.The tax, which was previously expected to start this year for sectors such as iron, steel and energy, has been deferred to avoid adding pressure on industries and consumers. Kurup said the government will instead prioritize setting up a carbon credit framework, including verification systems and a national carbon registry, reportedly.The National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK), approved on April 1, will serve as the basis for Malaysia's participation in both voluntary and compliance carbon trading markets. He added that Malaysia remains committed to emissions reduction targets for 2035 and its net-zero goal by 2050, while continuing to push the green transition, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Rolls Out Measures to Help SMEs Amid Economic Pressures

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced measures to ease cost pressures on SMEs, including a 5 billion ringgit financing guarantee and a 12-month extension for the e-invoicing transition, The Star reported Tuesday.The financing support will be channeled through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, with coverage raised to 80% and repayment tenures extended up to 10 years. The scheme is aimed at key sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics, transport and tourism, alongside assistance for loan restructuring.Meanwhile, the e-invoicing rollout for smaller firms has been deferred by a year to end-2027 for businesses with annual turnover between 1 million ringgit and 5 million ringgit. Authorities are also considering temporary tax and import duty relief on Malaysian goods that are re-imported due to external disruptions, the news outlet said.The measures come as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to shore up energy, freight and insurance costs. Anwar said the government will continue to adjust policies to support firms and maintain resilience amid prolonged global headwinds, reportedly.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Gains as Islamabad Peace Talks Lift Sentiment

Malaysian shares ended in green for the third straight session on Tuesday over a possible de-escalation in hostilities between the US and Iran.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 13.03 points to end 0.8% higher at 1,715.33. The day range was between 1,700.54 and 1,716.64.Investor sentiment improved as the second phase of peace talks unfolded in Islamabad, with the US expressing optimism over progress. However, Iran has yet to confirm its participation, keeping uncertainty around the negotiations.In economic news, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced measures to ease cost pressures on SMEs, including a 5 billion ringgit financing guarantee and a 12-month extension for e-invoicing transition. The package also includes interim tax relief on re-imported goods, with support focused on sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics, and tourism.In corporate news, shares of ES Sunlogy (KLSE:SUNLOGY) gained about 2% on close after its unit Savelite Engineering secured a subcontract worth 107.5 million ringgit from China State Construction Engineering.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:SUNLOGY
US Markets

Malaysian Total Trade Rises 9.3% in March on Higher Exports, Imports

Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to about 273 billion ringgit in March as both exports and imports grew during the month, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said Monday.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit. Re-exports and domestic exports helped prop up the indicator during the month, the department said.However, the conflict between the U.S. and Iran could drag Malaysian exports due to global supply chain disruptions, Dow Jones reported the same day.Imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit, according to the department.A poll by Wall Street expected exports to rise 14% and imports to grow 13.9%, Dow Jones reported.As a result, the trade surplus stood at 24.6 billion ringgit, slightly lower by 215.5 million ringgit compared with a year earlier.Analysts polled by Wall Street forecast the trade surplus to reach 25.9 billion ringgit.Manufactured goods exports accounted for 88% of total exports. The indicator rose 9.6% year over year to 130.8 billion ringgit.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Gains on Hopes of US-Iran Diplomatic Progress; MN's Shares Rise 5%

Malaysian shares extended gains on Monday, as investors reacted to renewed optimism over a possible de-escalation in hostilities between the US and Iran, and the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 7.09 points to end 0.4% higher at 1,702.30. The day range was between 1,689.00 and 1,703.64.In economic news, Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit. As a result, the trade surplus stood at 24.6 billion ringgit, slightly lower by 215.5 million ringgit compared with a year earlier.In local news, Malaysia's rubber glove industry is facing rising cost pressure as the US-Iran conflict drives up prices of oil-linked raw materials used in production, the Nikkei Asian Review reported. Major producers such as Top Glove (KLSE:TOPGLOV) and Hartalega (KLSE:HARTA) have been able to raise selling prices to offset higher input costs, while demand remains broadly stable.In corporate news, shares of MN (KLSE:MNHLDG) rose 5% on Monday's close after its unit MN Utilities Engineering accepted a purchase order worth 275.9 million ringgit for a data center infrastructure project in Malaysia.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:HARTAKLSE:MNHLDGKLSE:TOPGLOV
International

Asia Week Ahead: Inflation; Trade Data; and Central Bank Decisions

The week ahead in Asia is packed with releases covering trade, inflation, and central bank updates which could offer markets fresh clues on how the region is navigating the conflict in the Middle East.Monday begins with trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia, as well as the release of China's loan prime rates.Attention then turns Tuesday to New Zealand's first-quarter inflation report, followed by Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision and Japan's March trade figures on Wednesday.Thursday brings another key central bank decision from the Philippines, as well as first-quarter GDP data from South Korea. Flash PMI reports from India, Japan and Australia will also be closely watched.Friday rounds off the week with Japan's March inflation data, as well as Thailand's trade report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 20The week kicked off with the release of trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia.New Zealand recorded a goods trade surplus of NZ$698 million in March, compared with a deficit of NZ$364.7 million in February.Goods exports rose 7.3% to NZ$7.94 billion, while imports rose 9.6% to NZ$7.25 billion.Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit.China kept its loan prime rate or LPR, which is the benchmark for new loans, unchanged after posting a better-than-expected economy amid the Middle East conflict.The People's Bank of China held the one-year LPR at 3% and the LPR of five years or more at 3.5%.Economists at ING said the central bank may keep the rates on hold until conditions warrant monetary policy support. The People's Bank of China has maintained the one-year and five-year LPR since May 2025.TUESDAY, April 21New Zealand is due to report its first quarter inflation data.The country's consumer price index is anticipated to rise by 0.8% quarter on quarter and 2.9% year on year, BofA Securities estimated, slightly below the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's revised April forecast of 3%.Headline inflation is driven by soaring fuel prices in March due to the Middle East conflict, with petrol prices surging nearly 19% and diesel by nearly 43% month on month, according to the firm's research.Taiwan will release its export orders data. According to ING, the city state could see a rebound in orders to around 48.1% year on year from 23.8% previously.WEDNESDAY, April 22Indonesia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.ING said it expects Bank Indonesia to keep its policy rate at 4.75% despite inflation running above the central bank's 2.5% target. At 3.5%, inflation is still well below the roughly 5% peak in 2022 that triggered aggressive rate hikes, and with growth softening, the central bank is likely to remain on hold, according to ING.Japan's March trade figures will also be in the news. ING said it expects strong Japanese export growth in March thanks to demand for semiconductors and IT products, pushing the country's trade surplus to 1 trillion yen from 44.3 billion yen in the month prior.Elsewhere, South Korea reports producer price inflation data for March.THURSDAY, April 23Another interest rate decision, this time in the Philippines.The island nation's economy is one of the most susceptible to oil shocks in the region, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' upcoming decision is "likely to be close" amid the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, ING said in a preview.Still, the firm said its base case is for the central bank to maintain rates at 4.25%.South Korea's advance estimates for GDP growth for the first quarter will also capture headlines.Most analysts expect a rebound in growth after the economy contracted in the previous quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.Barclays economist Bumki Son said the economy is likely to show a growth of 1.2% on a quarterly basis and 3% on a yearly basis thanks to stronger exports and a recovery in private consumption and facility investment, the WSJ reported.A consumer confidence report is also due in South Korea.Hong Kong and Singapore will announce Inflation data for March.Singapore's March print will capture the initial impact of the energy shock from the Middle East conflict, the WSJ reported, citing DBS economists. According to Trading Economics, the rate of price increase could quick to 1.5% year on year from the 1.2% witnessed in February.In Hong Kong, Trading Economics expects inflation to rise marginally to 1.8% on the year from the 1.7% recorded in February.Hong Kong will also release unemployment data the same day.A number of macro releases are expected in Taiwan, covering March retail sales, industrial production, and unemployment.Similar to its export orders, ING said it expects Taiwan's industrial production to rebound to 25.7% year on year from the 17.8% growth recorded in the month prior.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its flash PMI reports covering manufacturing, services, and composite activity in India, Japan, and Australia.FRIDAY, April 24Markets will await March inflation data from Japan.Core inflation, which excludes fresh food but includes energy, is expected to cool to a rate of 1.8% year on year from the 2% witnessed in February, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.According to ING, efforts by Japan's government to stabilize gasoline prices should keep both headline and core inflation rates below 2%.March inflation data will also be due in Macao, which also reports unemployment rate the same day.Trading Economics estimates that March inflation could clock in at 1.2% year on year, modestly higher than the 1.16% witnessed in February.Unemployment, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 1.8% from 1.7% in the month prior, Trading Economics estimated.In Thailand, trade figures for March will be due.Trading Economics expects the country the post a trade deficit of $2 billion for the month, a reversal from the $2 billion surplus in February.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence in the first quarter will be due in the Philippines.A business confidence report covering the second quarter will similarly be made available in Hong Kong.

ASX 200Hang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia's Rubber Industry Bears Brunt of US-Iran War

Malaysia's rubber glove industry is facing rising cost pressure as the US-Iran conflict drives up prices of oil-linked raw materials used in production, the Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday.The country, which accounts for about 45% of global glove supply, is seeing a widening gap between large and small manufacturers. Major producers such as Top Glove (KLSE:TOPGLOV) and Hartalega (KLSE:HARTA) have been able to raise selling prices to offset higher input costs, while demand remains broadly stable, according to the report.Industry costs have surged, with key materials like nitrile latex seeing sharp increases due to higher crude-linked input prices. However, smaller players are struggling to absorb the cost pressure, with some already exiting the market amid financial strain and supply disruptions, the Nikkei said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:HARTAKLSE:TOPGLOV
International

Malaysia's Total Trade Rises 9.3% in March

Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Monday.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit.As a result, the trade surplus stood at 24.6 billion ringgit, slightly lower by 215.5 million ringgit compared with a year earlier.Monthly, total trade, exports, imports and trade balance all recorded increases of 11.3%, 13.6%, 8.7% and 47%, respectively, the data showed.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares End Week in Green on Hopes of US-Iran Diplomatic Progress

Malaysian shares rebounded on Thursday, as investors reacted to renewed optimism over a possible de-escalation in hostilities between the US and Iran.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 5.50 points to end 0.3% higher at 1,695.21. The day range was between 1,682.88 and 1,696.39.In economic news, Malaysia's economy expanded by 5.3% in the first quarter, easing from the 6.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter, according to advance estimates from the Department of Statistics.Meanwhile, Malaysia's consumer price index rose 1.7% annually in March, up from 1.6% in February, the Statistics Department said. The latest reading was below the 1.8% growth forecast by Trading Economics.In local news, Malaysia will introduce the B15 biodiesel blend gradually to prevent disruptions to the existing fuel supply chain, The Star reported, citing Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He said the gradual approach is necessary to ensure blending operations can be adjusted smoothly, particularly at fuel blending centres, without requiring major infrastructure upgrades at the initial stage.In corporate news, shares of Gamuda (KLSE:GAMUDA) gained over 1% on Friday's close after it secured a deal worth 1.72 billion ringgit to build a hyper-scale data centre in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, for a US-headquartered multinational technology company.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:GAMUDA
US Markets

Malaysia's Economy Eases By 5.3% in Q1

Malaysia's economy slowed down in the first quarter as the impact of the Middle East war began to reverberate through the oil and energy industries.The gross domestic product grew 5.3% during the January to March period, lower than the preceding quarter's growth of 6.3%, according to a Friday press release from the Department of Statistics.The official GDP missed the 5.5% estimate from analysts surveyed by Bloomberg."Malaysia's first quarter of 2026 reflects an economy that remains fundamentally resilient, even with the rising global uncertainties, particularly elevated oil prices following the geopolitical tensions," The country's chief statistician, Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said.Among sectors, the mining and quarrying sector contracted by 1.1% due to lower production within the crude oil and gas industries. The global oil supply has been affected, especially when Iran decided to close the Strait of Hormuz --- a critical global oil passageway --- amid the U.S.-Israel missile attacks on Tehran.The government committed to raising its 10% biodiesel mandate, or B10, to a 15% biodiesel blend to bolster biodiesel use amid the fuel supply constraints brought by the conflict. Economy Minister Akmal Nasir made the statement on Tuesday, according to a report on The Business Times.The other sectors moderately expanded. The services sector rose 5.4%, weaker than 6.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Manufacturing increased 5.8%, lower than the 6.1% rise in the previous quarter. Agriculture and construction grew 2.8% and 7.8%, respectively, slower than the previous quarter's 5.4% and 11%, the DOSM said.ING's regional head of research for Asia-Pacific, Deepali Bhargava, said Malaysia is among developed Asian countries that are well-positioned to weather the conflict as domestic demand was held up, while being supported by tight labor markets.The country's inflation in March rose 1.7% due to price hikes in the transportation sector.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Launch B15 Biodiesel Blend in Stages

Malaysia will introduce the B15 biodiesel blend gradually to prevent disruptions to the existing fuel supply chain, The Star reported Friday, citing Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.He said the gradual approach is necessary to ensure blending operations can be adjusted smoothly, particularly at fuel blending centres, without requiring major infrastructure upgrades at the initial stage. The government currently uses B10, while B15 contains 15% palm oil-based biodiesel and 85% petroleum diesel, reportedly.Akmal added that higher blends such as B20 and B30 will require further infrastructure investment and system upgrades before they can be implemented, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Malaysia's Inflation Quickens to 1.7% in March

Malaysia's consumer price index rose 1.7% annually in March, up from 1.6% in February, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said Friday.The latest reading was below the 1.8% growth forecast by Trading Economics.The increase was mainly driven by the transport group, which rose 1.6% compared with 0.7% a month earlier, alongside gains in personal care and miscellaneous goods, insurance and financial services, and restaurant and accommodation services.Compared with the previous month, inflation edged up 0.3%, quicker than 0.2% in February, supported by higher transport and communication costs.Core inflation, which excludes volatile items, climbed to 2.1% during the month from 2% a month prior, data showed.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Malaysia's Economy Eases to 5.3% in Q1 Amid Global Strain

Malaysia's economy expanded by 5.3% in the first quarter, easing from the 6.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter, according to advance estimates from the Department of Statistics on Friday.On a quarterly basis, the economy contracted by 4.4%, compared with a 3.3% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025.The performance on the supply side was supported by growth in the services, manufacturing, construction and agriculture sectors, though the mining and quarrying sector declined.The services sector grew 5.4%, driven by wholesale and retail trade, information and communication, and transportation and storage, while manufacturing expanded 5.8% on higher output in key sub-sectors.Mining and quarrying shrank 1.1% due to lower crude oil and natural gas production, while agriculture rose 2.8% and construction increased 7.8%, albeit at a slower pace.The Department of Statistics Malaysia said preliminary first-quarter GDP data will be released on May 15.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Rebound on Hopes of US-Iran Diplomatic Progress; Puncak Niaga's Shares Gain 3%

Malaysian shares rebounded on Thursday, tracking broader regional gains, as investors reacted to renewed optimism over a possible de-escalation in hostilities between the US and Iran.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 6.29 points to end 0.4% higher at 1,689.71 The day range was between 1,682.81 and 1,690.83.In local news, Malaysia will prioritize supplying Australia with surplus fuel from state energy firm Petronas as part of efforts to strengthen energy security amid disruptions linked to the Middle East war, Reuters reported, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas said fuel supply at all its stations is secured through the end of June, even as it continues to manage its supply chain amid global energy market disruptions due to the Iran-US war, Reuters reported.In corporate news, shares of Puncak Niaga (KLSE:PUNCAK) gained about 3% on Thursday's close after it reported that fresh fruit bunches (FFB) production for March stood at 1,615.40 metric tonnes.Meanwhile, Golden Destinations Group (KLSE:GDGROUP) has been officially listed on Bursa Malaysia, marking its debut on the ACE Market on Wednesday. Following the initial public offering, the company's enlarged issued share capital stands at 1 billion units, amounting to about 118.1 million ringgit.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:GDGROUPKLSE:PUNCAK
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Assures Citizens of Fuel Supply Until June End

Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas said fuel supply at all its stations is secured through the end of June, even as it continues to manage its supply chain amid global energy market disruptions due to the Iran-US war, Reuters reported Wednesday.The oil and gas company said it is actively working to ensure adequate stock levels across its network, with its retail arm Petronas Dagangan supplying around half of Malaysia's fuel requirements, reportedly.In response to supply pressures, Malaysia has also pledged to expand biodiesel usage as part of broader efforts to cushion its economy from the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, the news agency said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Prioritize Australia for Surplus Petronas Fuel Amid US-Iran War

Malaysia will prioritize supplying Australia with surplus fuel from state energy firm Petronas as part of efforts to strengthen energy security amid disruptions linked to the Middle East war, Reuters reported Thursday, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.Anwar said the arrangement followed discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, adding that while domestic demand remains the priority, both sides are pursuing "friend-to-friend" negotiations to balance trade in energy and agricultural goods, reportedly.He also noted that Malaysia is seeking mineral phosphate imports from Australia in exchange for urea exports, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: World Bank Hints at Up to $100 Billion to Aid War-Impacted Economies

The World Bank could mobilize between $80 billion and $100 billion over the next 15 months to support countries impacted by the Middle East conflict, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing President Ajay Banga.The package, which exceeds the deployment during COVID-19, would include $20 billion to $25 billion in near-term support through a crisis response window, alongside $30 billion to $40 billion from reallocating existing programs within about six months. Additional resources could be tapped from the bank's balance sheet if the conflict persists, reportedly.IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the outlook depends on how long the conflict continues, and urged governments to use targeted support instead of broad energy subsidies to manage higher costs, the news agency said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^HNX^HOSE^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^PSE^SET
Asia

Malaysian Shares Pare Morning Gains as Investors Await Second Round of Pakistan Peace Talks

Malaysian shares erased an opening rally to end in the red on Wednesday, weighed down by geopolitical uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran ceasefire timeline.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI shed 4.70 points to end 0.3% lower at 1,683.42. The day range was between 1,680.46 and 1,695.68.In local news, Malaysia has warned that the economic impact of the Iran-linked energy crisis will intensify from June, as fiscal buffers from subsidies and domestic gas output will begin to fade, South China Morning Post reported, citing Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.Malaysia has overtaken the US as a key supplier of chipmaking equipment to China, signalling a shift in regional trade flows. Imports from Malaysia more than doubled to $3.4 billion in 2025, underscoring its rising importance in the semiconductor supply chain.In economic news, the International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release. Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.In corporate news, shares of Muhibbah Engineering (M) (KLSE:MUHIBAH) gained 2% on Wednesday's close after it bagged a contract worth about 120 million ringgit for works on the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:MUHIBAH
Asia

IMF Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook for Most Asian Economies Amid Middle East War

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release.The organization revised down its growth outlook for emerging Asian economies to 4.9% from a previous prospect of 5% in January, which was before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.Growth for the group will continue to decline to 4.8% in 2027, the IMF said.The organization projects China's economy growing 4.4% this year and 4% next year, while India will post growth of 6.5% for the next two years.Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.Individually, Vietnam will post the strongest growth of 7.1%, although this is still lower than the 8% growth last year.The rest of the economies in the group will also see lower growth, with Indonesia at 5%, Malaysia at 4.7%, the Philippines at 4.1%, and Thailand at 1.5%.Among advanced economies in Asia-Pacific, Korea's growth will rise to 1.9% from 1% last year, while that of Australia will remain flat at 2%.Japan's growth will slow down to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027 from 1.2% last year, according to the IMF.Taiwan will see lower expansion of 5.2% from 8.7% in 2025, while Singapore's growth will come to 3.5%, down from 5% last year.Hong Kong will also observe lower growth of 2.4%, compared to 3.5% in 2025.The IMF forecasts global economic growth to weaken to 3.1% this year from 3.4% last year, accounting for the impacts of the continued conflict in the Middle East.

ASX 200^BSE^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted^YSX

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