Economy

Manufacturing sales up 6.3% in October to RM171.7bil

KUALA LUMPUR: The manufacturing sector posted sales of RM171.7 billion in October 2025, a 6.3 per cent increase versus the 4.3 per cent recorded in September 2025, said the Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM).

Corporate News

Straits Energy unit wins sustainability award for Setiu Wetlands restoration

KUALA LUMPUR: Straits Energy Resources Bhd's subsidiary, Benua Hijau Sdn Bhd, has received the Environmental Sustainability Award in the Biodiversity & Natural Resources Protection category at the ESG PLUS Awards.

Corporate News

CTOS Digital appoints Ankur Sehgal as new group CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: CTOS Digital Bhd has appointed Ankur Sehgal as its new group chief executive officer, effective March 3, 2026.

Corporate News

Kerjaya Prospek bags RM225mil contract for mixed development in Johor

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd has secured a RM225mil building contract from Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd for a high-rise mixed development project in Johor Bahru.

Banking

Bank Islam CEO stays on till year-end to ensure smooth transition

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has extended the final day of service for its group chief executive officer (GCEO), Datuk Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, to Dec 31, 2025.

Markets

FBM KLCI extends gains at midday amid broad market strength

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI continued its upward momentum at midday, supported by broad-based gains across Bursa Malaysia.

Economy

Malaysia's IPI rises 6% in October, beating forecasts

KUALA LUMPUR: The Industrial Production Index (IPI) rose 6.0% in October 2025, beating expectations and building on the 5.7% expansion recorded in the previous month, according to the Statistics Department (DOSM).

Business

JCorp gets 'gold' assessment for sustainable finance from MARC Solutions

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Corporation (JCorp)'s sustainable finance framework has received a 'Gold' Impact Assessment from MARC Solutions, for its strong alignment with global standards and emphasis on delivering substantial environmental and social benefits.

Forex

Dollar staggers to third straight weekly drop as investors ponder Fed outlook  

SINGAPORE: The U.S. dollar headed for its third straight weekly drop on Friday, hurt by the prospect of rate cuts next year after the Federal Reserve pushed back against hawkish market bets, lifting the euro and sterling to their highest since October.

Markets

Asian stocks rise after global gauge hits new peak

Asian stocks climbed after gauges of US and global equities hit fresh records, with investor sentiment boosted by the Federal Reserve's rate cut and its upbeat assessment of the US economy.

Corporate News

Disney to invest US$1bil in OpenAI, license characters for Sora video tool

WALT Disney is investing US$1bil in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator, a deal that could reshape how Hollywood makes content.

Analyst Reports

CIMB sees 68% earnings surge for building materials in 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd projects Malaysia's building materials sector's core earnings will rise to 68 per cent in 2026, up sharply from a forecasted 15 per cent in 2025, before moderating to 16 per cent in 2027.

Stock on the Move

Vantris Energy rallies as turnaround results boost sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR: Vantris Energy Bhd advanced in early trade as investors reacted positively to its latest turnaround results.

Markets

FBM KLCI edges higher in early trade as Wall Street rallies

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI edged higher in early trade, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street after the US Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate.

Forex

Ringgit extends gains on softer US data, Fed rate cut

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened firmer against the greenback for a second day, buoyed by softer US data and the Federal Reserve (Fed)'s 25-basis-point lending rate cut.

Markets

Trading ideas: Vantris Energy, Critical Holdings, AGX, EPMB, Oasis Harvest

KUALA LUMPUR: Vantris Energy Bhd, Critical Holdings Bhd, AGX Group Bhd, EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) and Oasis Harvest Corp Bhd are among the stocks to watch on Friday.

Commodities

Oil retreats as investors focus on Ukraine, US fuel supplies

Oil prices fell on Thursday as investors focused on Russia-Ukraine peace talks and eyed large surpluses in US gasoline and diesel inventories.

Economy

Australia economy unexpectedly sheds jobs

Australia's economy unexpectedly shed jobs and fewer people sought work, suggesting a gradual loosening in the labour market that may allow the Reserve Bank (RBA) to extend an interest-rate pause.

Corporate News

Westports set to benefit from steady seaports

Analysts remain neutral on the seaports and logistics sector, with their top pick being Westports Holdings Bhd for its resilient earnings, underpinned by long-term contracts.

Corporate News

Ancom Nylex to gain from deal with Thai Oil PCL

Analysts continue to like agricultural chemicals manufacturer Ancom Nylex Bhd for its position as the largest producer of active ingredient for herbicides in South-East Asia.