Malaysia’s Leading Index Rises Modestly 0.2% in November 2025

Malaysia’s Leading Index (LI) rose modestly by 0.2 per cent year-on-year to 113.2 points in November 2025, down sharply from October’s 3.4 per cent growth, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The slower pace indicates moderated economic momentum ahead, though expansion continued for the third consecutive month. Key supports included a sharp 67.5 per cent surge in housing units approved for construction and steady 5.5 per cent growth in Real Money Supply (M1). On a monthly basis, however, the LI declined 2.4 per cent, dragged by weaker real imports of semiconductors and non-ferrous metals.

Leading Index Rises Modestly

The Coincident Index (CI), reflecting current conditions, grew 2.1 per cent yoy (slower than October’s 2.7 per cent), buoyed by positive real EPF contributions amid sustained employment. Monthly, the CI dipped 0.5 per cent. The smoothed long-term trend remained below 100 points, pointing to softer expansion. Domestic demand, healthy labour market, stable inflation, rising incomes and vibrant tourism are expected to underpin growth, though risks include geopolitical tensions and potential US tariff expansion on semiconductors impacting tech exports and the broader economy.