Markets

Wall St slides after Fed keeps rates steady

Wall Street ended sharply lower on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, with AI-related chip stocks adding to recent declines ahead of quarterly reports from Microsoft and Meta Platforms and the Nasdaq 100 index marking an 11% drop from its June record high.

Commodities

Oil jumps 7% on escalating Mideast airstrikes

Oil prices climbed about 7% on Wednesday as airstrikes resumed in the Middle East, adding to worries about dwindling supply as US government data showed domestic crude inventories fell to a multi-year low.

Insight

Capability, not size, will define Malaysia’s next generation of SMEs

For decades, business success was often associated with size. Large companies had greater resources, stronger brands, deeper pockets and wider market reach. Small businesses were expected to follow.

Economy

Indonesia seeks exemption for US palm oil exports

Indonesia is seeking an exemption for its palm oil exports from the United States' new tariffs, imposed under a Section 301 probe into alleged forced labour violations, according to the senior economy minister.

Economy

Jakarta soybean output down to 8% of demand

Domestic soybean production has been on a steep, downward trend over the past five years, remaining far below the average national demand of 2.6 million tonnes, according to a senior government official.

Corporate News

SUV strength helps Ford raise guidance

Ford Motor Co has raised its profit outlook for the second time this year as consumers continue to snap up the automaker's high-margin sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Corporate News

Carlyle’s bet puts Seoul water purifiers in spotlight

Carlyle's one trillion won bet on Chungho Nais has put fresh attention on an unlikely South Korean export success: subscription-based water purifiers.

Economy

Cooling inflation gives RBA breathing space 

Australia's core inflation comes in cooler than anticipated in the last quarter, prompting money markets to slash bets on another interest rate increase this year.

Economy

Chile holds key rate at 4.5% and doubles down on cautious strategy

Chile's central bank has kept its key interest rate unchanged for the fifth straight meeting, as fresh swings in global oil costs and recent surprises in economic data support cautious monetary policy.

Corporate News

Rio Tinto half-year profit soars on metal prices, cost cuts

Rio Tinto Group will pay its highest interim dividend in four years as first-half profit soared on strong commodity prices and a restructuring drive that boosted earnings.

Economy

Tax hurdles threaten circular economy goals

The paper industry is urging authorities to address regulatory bottlenecks in the domestic waste paper supply chain, saying tax and documentation requirements are raising costs for recycled raw materials and could undermine the country's circular economy goals.

Corporate News

Ashland settles with activist investor Ancora

Ashland Inc says it has reached a settlement with activist investor Ancora Holdings Group that expands the chemical company's board of directors. 

Economy

Higher input costs likely to add pressure on PPI

Producer prices remain under pressure as businesses assess whether higher input costs will eventually filter through to consumers.

Corporate News

Mah Sing set to capitalise on JS-SEZ opportunities via Johor expansion pipeline

CIMB Research has maintained its "buy" call on Mah Sing Group Bhd, stating that the property company has a strong track record in Johor's property market, where it has completed RM4.5bil residential and industrial developments.

Corporate News

Nestle on track for sound FY26 showing

Analysts expect Nestlé (M) Bhd's demand in the second half of financial year 2026 (2H26) to remain stable after it reported results that exceeded some expectations.

Corporate News

Woodside raises its quarterly revenue outlook

Australia's Woodside Energy has reported a 28% rise in second-quarter revenue and has narrowed its annual production forecast, citing strong operational performance and high reliability across its assets.

Corporate News

Ramssol’s CTOS Digital tie-up to enhance revenue

Ramssol Group Bhd's growth narrative is expected to broaden its "PayDayNow" distribution reach moving forward, says Apex Securities Research.

Corporate News

Hong Kong office rental decline may end next year

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd expects rents in its office towers to stabilise in 2027 after six years of declines as the financial hub's commercial real estate market begins to recover.

Insight

Empowering food security for tomorrow

Raising public awareness about food security in Malaysia is a matter of national survival, not just agricultural policy.

Economy

Jakarta ramps up efforts to support struggling rupiah

Bank Indonesia (BI) says it's strengthening efforts to stabilise the rupiah, renewing a pledge to support a near record-low currency two days after its central bank's chief abruptly resigned.