Cost of Living
Economists Lower Malaysia’s 2026 Inflation Forecast to 2.0%
Economists cut Malaysia’s 2026 inflation forecast to 2.0 per cent as subsidies and stable oil prices help contain inflation.
Category: Cost of Living
Cost of Living
Economics: 1Q26 GDP – Resilient Headline, Softer Underlying Pulse
We maintain our 2026 GDP growth forecast at +4.6% YoY and OPR call at 2.75% - PIB
Stocks and Markets
Malaysia Retail Sector Maintains Positive Outlook Amid Resilient Consumption
Malaysia retail sales up 7.5% in Feb; resilient consumption, stable labour, manageable inflation; analysts maintain positive outlook with staples.
Food and Beverages
Malaysians Quietly Stock Up Amid Global Uncertainty
Malaysians stock up on essentials as global conflict drives uncertainty; shelves show gaps, prices rise, survival tips spread online.
oil and gas
Marcos Declares National Energy Emergency Amid Middle East Crisis
Energy Crisis: Philippines Braces for Prolonged Oil Shock as President Marcos Invokes Emergency Powers
Agriculture
Vegetable Prices in Malaysia Set to Rise Amid Higher Costs
Vegetable prices may rise up to 50 per cent in Malaysia, driven by higher production costs and global fuel crisis impacts.
Cost of Living
US Fed Holds Rates Steady at 3.50%-3.75%, Inflation Risks Loom
US Fed holds rates steady at 3.50%-3.75%, citing inflation risks and global uncertainties, with cautious outlook on future cuts.
Banking and Finance
RBA Kicks Off 2026 With First Rate Hike Since 2023
RBA stressed its commitment to restoring price stability, noting that policy will remain data‑dependent
Cost of Living
Malaysians Spend RM5,566 Monthly in 2024, with Housing and Dining Out Leading Expenses
DOSM survey shows Malaysians’ average spending hit RM5,566 monthly in 2024, dominated by housing, utilities, and rising dining-out habits.
Cost of Living
Malaysia’s CPI Inflation Inches Up to 1.3% in August
Malaysia’s CPI rose slightly to 1.3% in August, driven by higher food-away inflation, urban pressures.
Cost of Living
Malaysia’s Retail Spending Accelerates in July, Signals Resilient Domestic Economy
Malaysia’s distributive trade rose 5.0% yoy in July 2025, driven by consumer demand in retail, wholesale, and automotive sectors.
Cost of Living
Markets Brace for Fed Rate Cut as Global Central Banks Hold Steady
Global markets anticipate a US Federal Reserve rate cut this week amid central bank meetings worldwide, reflecting economic resilience and inflation concerns.
Banking and Finance
Materialization of tariff risks could prompt BNM to reassess risks and adjust its policy path ahead
BNM holds OPR at 2.75%, adopts neutral tone, highlights tariff risks, projects moderate inflation, resilient domestic demand through 2026.
Business News
BNM Holds OPR at 2.75% to Support Growth Amid Global Uncertainty
BNM maintains OPR at 2.75%, citing steady growth, moderate inflation, resilient domestic demand, and ongoing global uncertainties affecting outlook.
Cost of Living
Analysts revised Malaysia’s full-year GDP forecast upward to 4.3% from 4.0%.
Malaysia’s GDP grew 4.4% in 2Q25, supported by services and construction, despite weak net exports and slower manufacturing expansion.
Business News
Chow Welcomes RM100 Aid but Urges Long-Term Solutions for Cost of Living
Penang CM Chow Kon Yeow praised the RM100 aid but called for long-term strategies to address the rising cost of living.