STARPICKS

NEXT-GEN INDUSTRY REDEFINED

ECO Business Park 7 (EBP 7) is designed to meet the modern needs of industrialists, offering a blend of innovation, connectivity and sustainability to support a new generation of high-value businesses.

Insight

Work-life balance on trial

The phrase "work-life balance" dominates workplace conversations and the legal profession is no exception. Young graduates search for it, mid-level associates crave it, and even senior lawyers like myself wonder whether it is truly achievable.

Star Biz7

Beyond price and prestige

New cars are more expensive than ever, with average prices in the United States exceeding US$50,000 for the first time in September, up 3.6% from 2024, according to auto research company Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

Star Biz7

Where great minds and spirits met

In French, they call it La Grand-Place. In Dutch, De Grote Markt. Even if you don't speak the local languages, the name is still recognisable: a big, grand place, used as a market.

Star Biz7

Evolution hits the runway

Chinese fashion designers are bringing contemporary elements with traditional aspects to young consumers hungry for modernity.

Star Biz7

Asset managers in risk-on mode

There's a time when investments run their course and the prudent move is to cash out. For global asset managers who've ridden double-digit gains in equities for three straight years, that time is not now.

Star Biz7

HK’s lure for key IPO investors

The blistering rebound in Hong Kong listings this year has lured a wave of big names into the role of cornerstone investors.

Star Biz7

Luxury stocks set for revival

Optimism is building that a second-half (2H25) rally in Europe's luxury-goods sector can extend into the new year as signs point to better times for the continent's flagship equity sector.

Star Biz7

Navigating uneven markets

As investors scan the horizon for signs of turbulence in 2026, the equity market story remains one of confidence tempered by caution.

Star Biz7

Strong momentum seen for Vietnam equities

Vietnam's stock market looks set to stride into 2026 with fresh momentum, building on what Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB) describes as one of the strongest rallies the country has ever seen.

Star Biz7

Asia-Pacific ratings hold firm

Asia-Pacific sovereigns enter 2026 with resilience, even as global demand softens and trade growth slows for several export-orientated economies.

Star Biz7

Pet shop joys

Every four to six weeks, financial adviser Karan Teo travels from her home in the Upper East Coast area to boutique pet hotel BreakFast At Fluffy's in Singapore's Joo Chiat Road.

Star Biz7

Fewer stocks spur IPO hunt

Canada's largest stock exchanges are atrophying, with the number of publicly traded companies shrinking for a fourth straight year even as the country's stock benchmark soared past the S&P 500.

Star Biz7

Gold rush rolls on

Gold looks set to continue its extraordinary run in 2026, with prices poised to climb even higher amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, persistent fiscal pressures, and strong central bank demand.

Insight

Timely revamp of IPO listing rules

The recent proposed revamp of Bursa Malaysia's listing requirements by the Securities Commission (SC) is seen as an overdue update to outdated thresholds.

Insight

The ringgit and prosperity targets

The ringgit received a boost following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to lower its funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing the target range to 3.5% to 3.75%.

Insight

The case for independent research

In Malaysia, issuing a "buy" or "sell" report on stocks with a target price requires a licence from the Securities Commissions.

Star Biz7

Supermarts in the express lane

The retail grocery and convenience store sector may appear simple at first glance, with its organised aisles, recognisable brands and steady customer flow.

Insight

Tariff doubts linger on

The new year could start much like 2025, with US tariffs at the forefront. Analysts expect global economic growth to continue in 2026, but US tariffs will remain a macro risk.

Short Position

Stake sales for national goals

Khazanah Nasional Bhd has continued to sell stakes in its core holdings, leading to substantial changes in the government's holdings in strategic companies.