Countries
US Inflation Surge Strengthens Case for Fed Hike
US CPI rose +0.4% in August, boosting expectations of a Fed rate hike as inflation pressures remain sticky.
Category: Economy and Business
Stocks and Markets
Global Risk Tone Supports Cautious Rebound in Malaysian Stocks
FBM KLCI rebounds cautiously as oil stabilizes; energy, plantation, and banking sectors in focus ahead of BNM’s rate decision.
OPR
BNM Holds OPR at 2.75%, Signals Mildly Hawkish Tone
BNM keeps OPR at 2.75%, signals hawkish tone, with potential 25-bp hike in 2027 as growth and inflation outlook evolve.
Inflation
Strong Demand Lifts US Services Activity in August
US services activity hits multi‑year highs in August, fueling inflation concerns and keeping Fed rate hike prospects alive.
Business News
Lim Guan Eng Urges Anwar to Accelerate Economic Reforms Ahead of Malaysia Day
Lim Guan Eng urges Anwar Ibrahim to implement more economic reforms, emphasizing support for small businesses and cost-of-living relief during Malaysia Day speech.
China
China’s Factory Slump Eases, But Services Drag Signals Uneven Recovery
China’s factory slump eased in August, but weak services highlight uneven recovery, prompting calls for stronger domestic policy support.
Sustainability
Rising Compliance Costs Are Creating New Business Opportunities For ESG Software
Expanding ESG regulations create a significant market opportunity for affordable compliance software tailored to small and medium businesses.
Workplace
UK Inflation Rises to Four-Month High on Energy Costs
UK inflation hits 2.9% in July, driven by energy costs; BOE expected to hold rates at 3.75% in September.
Analyst Report
Malaysia Inflation Eases, but Cost Pressures Keep Risks Elevated
Malaysia’s inflation eased to 1.8% in July as transport costs moderated, but food, producer prices and supply risks keep the inflation outlook tilted upward.
Economy and Business
CIMB Retains BUY As Indonesian Franchise Supports Upside
CIMB retains its BUY call with a revised RM10.00 target price, supported by resilient earnings, improving asset quality, strong dividends and embedded optionality.
OPR
Growth Set to Moderate in 2H26 as Risks Build; OPR Seen on Hold
Despite strong first-half growth, Malaysia's GDP is forecast to slow to 4.4% in second half.
GDP growth forecast
Malaysia’s 2Q26 GDP Surges 6.0% on Net Export Boom
Malaysia's economy grew 6.0% in Q2 2026, driven by strong net exports and manufacturing.
Business News
MBSB Upgrades Malaysia’s 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 5.1%
MBSB raises Malaysia’s 2026 GDP forecast to 5.1%, citing strong trade and domestic demand, but warns of global risks.
Money and Investment
Beyond the 6% GDP Surge: What Malaysia’s Growth Numbers Mean for Investors
Malaysia's economy expanded 6.0% in Q2 2026, driven by manufacturing and stable services, reinforcing its resilience amid global uncertainties - But what does it…
Economy and Business
Malaysia’s Economy Posts 6% Growth in Q2, Driven by Broad-Based Expansion
Malaysia’s economy grew 6% in Q2 2026, driven by broad-based expansion, resilient demand, and strong exports, with steady outlook.
Analyst Report
Global Markets: US headline inflation rising
Wall Street ended mixed while US headline inflation is rising. The Dow Jones slipped 0.04%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.26% and Nasdaq gained…