Iran has warned global markets to prepare for oil at US$200 per barrel , escalating rhetoric as attacks intensify and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively frozen. While oil prices have retreated from recent highs near US$120, Tehran’s message underscores the growing risk of a prolonged energy shock. Key Takeaways Iran warns oil could surge to US$200 per barrel Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, disrupting 20% of global oil flows 14 merchant ships reportedly struck since conflict began IEA expected to propose record 400 million-barrel reserve release Markets currently betting conflict may be contained Oil Market on Edge Iran’s military command said oil prices depend on regional security — warning the world to prepare for US$200 crude if instability persists. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint along Iran’s coast, normally handles: About 20% of global oil shipments A significant share of global LNG trade So far: At least 14 ships have reportedly been struck...
M&A Securities released a research report yesterday and they believe the banking sector is bracing for a softer 2016.
Loan growths are expected to decelerate to 8% in 2016. In contrast, the 2015's loan growth is at 8.4%. Two themes take central stage for 2016 in the banking sector according to M&A, lethargic loan growth and tight liquidity environment.
For the research team in M&A, they feel that improvement in asset quality and leaner operating cost could be the drivers to support the banking sector in 2016.
Top Picks in the sector: Maybank and BIMB Holdings.
A quick look at the December 2015 banking statistics shows us a few important summary:
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| Softer 2016 for the banking sector? |
Loan growths are expected to decelerate to 8% in 2016. In contrast, the 2015's loan growth is at 8.4%. Two themes take central stage for 2016 in the banking sector according to M&A, lethargic loan growth and tight liquidity environment.
For the research team in M&A, they feel that improvement in asset quality and leaner operating cost could be the drivers to support the banking sector in 2016.
Top Picks in the sector: Maybank and BIMB Holdings.
A quick look at the December 2015 banking statistics shows us a few important summary:
- Loans growth ended at 8.4% yoy in December, similar to November. This was largely due to a fine performance in household segment, pushing the average loan growth in 2015 to hit the 9.1% mark.
- A red flag is raised as loan applications were even weaker in December with a -8.3% yoy in comparison to a -5.3% in November.
- Marginal improvement in loan approval rate, but continue to stay in the negative territory as banks tightened approval at the back of new restructures and reschedules measures by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
M&A highlighted some of the banking sector challenges in the areas of flat loans growth, tight liquidity, margin compression, rising credit cost and challenging macroeconomic conditions which might continue to hurt the banking sector.
Banking sector is a NEUTRAL for 2016 according to M&A Securities.

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