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Energy Shock Rewrites the Playbook: Why Nuclear & Clean Energy Are the Real Winners

The ongoing Middle East conflict is not just an oil story — it is triggering a  structural shift in global energy investment , with capital rotating toward  energy security-driven sectors . Energy Crisis Exposes Structural Weakness The disruption of the  Strait of Hormuz (≈20% of global oil flows)  has reinforced a critical reality: energy dependence = geopolitical risk . As highlighted in the report  , governments are no longer optimising for cost, they are prioritising  energy independence and supply resilience . This marks a shift from  “energy economics” to “energy security” , fundamentally changing investment flows. Clean Energy Becomes Strategic, Not Optional Rising oil prices and supply uncertainty have flipped the equation: Expensive oil →  renewables become economically viable faster Supply risk →  policy acceleration toward domestic energy sources This mirrors the  post-Ukraine war shift in 2022 , but on a broader scale. Key Se...
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Singapore Growth Risks Rise as Oil Shock Clouds Outlook

Singapore markets opened marginally higher, but underlying sentiment remains cautious as  Middle East tensions threaten economic growth and inflation stability . Market Holds Steady Despite Rising Risks The  FTSE Singapore Straits Times Index  edged up  0.05% to 4,899.83 , reflecting a  balanced market tone : Advancers: 57 | Decliners: 47 Trading activity remained relatively muted This suggests investors are  waiting for clearer macro signals  amid global uncertainty. Global Headwinds: Oil and Tech Weigh on US Markets On Wall Street, markets were mixed: Nasdaq Composite Index  fell  0.7% S&P 500 Index  declined  0.4% Dow Jones Industrial Average  rose  0.1% Losses in  technology stocks  and rising oil prices offset relatively  dovish comments from  Jerome Powell , who signalled no immediate need for rate hikes. Singapore Growth Outlook Faces Downside Risks RHB flagged  rising downside risks to ...

BNM Maintains RM5b Dividend Despite Earnings Dip, Strengthens Financial Buffers

Bank Negara Malaysia  declared a  RM5 billion dividend for 2025 , maintaining payouts to the government despite a  moderation in earnings . Earnings Ease After Strong Prior Year BNM reported  net profit of RM12.45 billion in FY2025 , down  5.7% YoY  from RM13.16 billion. The decline was driven by: Lower total income (RM14.35 billion vs RM14.98 billion) Costs related to  reserve management and monetary operations Despite softer earnings, the central bank sustained its  second consecutive RM5 billion dividend , following a  record RM5.25 billion payout in 2024 . Strong Reserves Provide Stability A significant portion of profits —  RM7.45 billion  — was allocated to the  risk reserve , which rose to  RM155.31 billion . This reserve acts as a  financial buffer  against: Exchange rate volatility Global financial market fluctuations BNM highlighted that  85% of its assets are denominated in foreign currencies , re...