Intel heads into its April 23 earnings with rising investor expectations , but the key question remains whether AI-driven CPU demand can offset ongoing margin weakness . Revenue Stable, But Margins Under Pressure Intel is expected to deliver Q1 revenue around US$12.4 billion , slightly above the midpoint of its guidance range. However, the real concern lies in profitability: Gross margin guided at 34.5% , down from 39.2% a year ago EPS near breakeven (~US$0.00) vs US$0.13 last year This highlights continued pressure from costs, utilisation, and product mix , despite improving demand signals. AI CPUs: A Key Growth Driver Intel’s near-term bullish case centers on AI-related CPU demand , particularly its Xeon processors. A key development is its partnership with Alphabet , which reinforces: Intel’s role in AI data centre infrastructure Growing demand for AI inference and general-purpose computing Investors will watch c...
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 24): The FBM KLCI climbed 9.38 points or 0.6% on a stronger ringgit against a weakening U.S. dollar, amid higher crude oil prices.
At 5pm, the KLCI closed at its intraday high at 1,680.69 points. The ringgit strengthened to 4.4353 against the U.S. dollar at 5:36pm.
Reuters reported the dollar struggled in Asia on Tuesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on protectionism ahead of fiscal stimulus, fuelled suspicions his administration might be content to gain a competitive advantage through a weaker currency.
It was reported oil prices rose on Tuesday, on evidence the global market was tightening, as lower production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other exporters drained stocks, although an increase in drilling in the U.S. could keep a lid on prices. Benchmark Brent crude was up 40 cents at US$55.63 a barrel by 0840 GMT. U.S. light crude was 40 cents higher at to US$53.15.
In Malaysia, Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd analyst Kenneth Leong told theedgemarkets.com that recent developments relating to OPEC’s oil production cut agreement, along with the impact of a weakening U.S. dollar, were largely encouraging for the local market.
Leong also noted gains in banking shares like CIMB Group Holdings Bhd. CIMB added four sen to RM4.92 to become Bursa Malaysia's fourth most-active stock.
“We can see that there is buying support in both selective and heavyweight banking index," he said.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 1.56 billion shares, worth RM2.03 billion, were traded. There were 416 gainers and 353 decliners.
Source: The Edge
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