Economic news and analysis
politics
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 17 — The Malaysian government is using targeted subsidies to help households cope with cost-of-living pressures, saving RM15.5 billion and keeping inflation below 2%, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said. He stated that subsidies are not inherently bad but serve as an important instrument when managed effectively.
business
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — The ringgit is expected to trade within a narrow range against the US dollar next week as investors await Bank Negara Malaysia's policy meeting on January 22. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said traders will closely watch the
business
CARACAS, Jan 15 — The Venezuelan government will channel $300 million in oil revenues through four local banks to sell dollars to companies for imports, aiming to ease a severe foreign exchange shortage, according to financial sources and an analyst. The funds, from oil income deposited in an account in Qatar,
business
NEW YORK, Jan 16 — Crude oil futures settled higher on Friday, according to market data. The price increase was recorded at the close of trading in New York. No specific percentage or dollar amount for the gain was provided in the brief report. Market analysts typically monitor such movements for
business
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 — Malaysia's targeted subsidy programs have saved RM15.5 billion in public funds while keeping inflation below 2%, Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said in an interview. He stated that targeted subsidies are a realistic and effective instrument to help households manage the rising cost
business
KYIV, Jan 16 — The International Monetary Fund's latest economic forecasts due next week will show the global economy's continued resilience to trade shocks and "fairly strong" growth, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters on Thursday. Georgieva made the comments during an interview in
business
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 — The domestic textile and garment industry has urged the government to improve access to cleaner energy and tighten import protections following the government's vow to allocate US$6 billion to support labour-intensive sectors. The call comes as the industry seeks to enhance competitiveness and
business
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 — The ringgit's recent strength is expected to be short-lived, with Maybank Investment Bank Bhd forecasting the currency will weaken in the second half of financial year 2026 (2H26) due to a stabilising US dollar and shifting global market dynamics. Maybank Investment Bank made this
business
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 — Malaysian businesses are experiencing prolonged tax refund delays, with nearly a quarter waiting over two years for overpaid taxes, according to a survey by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), though sentiment is cautiously improving for early 2026. The survey found
business
NEW YORK, Jan 15 — Crude oil futures settled lower on Thursday, according to market data. The decline in oil prices was reported by Xinhua news agency. No specific figures or percentage changes were provided in the brief report. The settlement reflects trading activity for the day. Further details are available
business
LONDON, Jan 15 — Britain's economy expanded marginally in late 2025, exceeding expectations but revealing subdued underlying momentum, according to analysts who urge more comprehensive business support. The growth, while positive, was described as "marginal" by economic observers. Analysts highlighted persistent weaknesses in the economy's
business
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 — The equity market is poised for upward momentum as the country's gross domestic product growth is expected to exceed 4% this year, coupled with receding US tariff tensions and a narrowing spread between the US federal funds rate and overnight policy rate. Analysts attribute