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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday in line with most Asian markets, mirroring gains from Wall Street, where investors welcomed the US Federal Reserve's substantial interest rate cut. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 3.17 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 1,668.82 at the close from Thursday's close of 1,665.65. It opened 5.03 points higher at 1,670.68, trading between 1,668.48 and 1,674.04 throughout the session. In the broader market, gainers outpaced decliners 732 to 468, while 465 counters were unchanged, 850 untraded and 32 suspended. Turnover swelled to 4.19 billion units worth RM5.97 billion, from Thursday's 3.99 billion units worth RM4.08 billion. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, noted the FBM KLCI's gains were led by utilities, logistics, and banking stocks, reflecting improved market sentiment. Additiona

  United Overseas Bank (UOB) expects Malaysia to revise its 2024 GDP growth target to 4.5% to 5.5% , up from the current 4% to 5% , during the upcoming Budget 2025 announcement on Oct 18 . This revision reflects the stronger-than-expected economic performance in the first half of 2024. UOB's Quarterly Global Outlook 4Q 2024 report highlighted that Malaysia's GDP growth reached 5.1% in the first half of 2024, surpassing earlier estimates. As a result, the bank raised its full-year GDP forecast to 5.4% , up from its previous prediction of 4.6% . Several key factors are driving this upward revision: Global tech cycle recovery Increased tourism activities Continued government cash aid to targeted groups The implementation of budget measures and national master plan initiatives UOB also noted that the seasonally adjusted growth rate rose to 2.9% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter (2Q2024), marking the highest growth in two years and indicating steady recovery momentu

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased by 0.19% , closing at 1,668.82 on Friday, September 20, 2024. Below is a summary of the performance of key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit : FBM KLCI : Closed up 0.19% at 1,668.82 Ringgit : Showed stability, with minor fluctuations against major currencies Ringgit Performance: USD/MYR : 4.208 (YTD change: +9.19%) SGD/MYR : 3.2575 (YTD change: +6.77%) Top 10 Movers and Laggards on FBM KLCI: Top Gainers : YTL Corp Bhd : RM2.720 (+4.62%) YTL Power International Bhd : RM3.830 (+4.08%) SD Guthrie Bhd : RM4.720 (+2.16%) CIMB Group Holdings Bhd : RM8.440 (+1.81%) MISC Bhd : RM8.220 (+0.98%) Top Losers : Petronas Dagangan Bhd : RM18.960 (-1.04%) Axiata Group Bhd : RM2.500 (-1.19%) Maxis Bhd : RM3.920 (-2.00%) Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd : RM5.470 (-3.01%) CelcomDigi Bhd : RM3.670 (-3.42%) Top 10 Active (By Volume): Sime Darby Property Bhd : 135.77 million shares Top Glove Corp Bhd : 107.26 million shares Sunway Bhd : 74.79 million s

  The impending US tariff hike on Chinese-made gloves presents an opportunity for Malaysian glove makers to increase production, according to Top Glove Corp Bhd managing director Lim Cheong Guan . With US tariffs on China-made gloves set to rise from 7.5% to 50% in 2025 and 100% by 2026, Malaysian glove manufacturers could step in to meet the supply gap left by Chinese competitors. Top Glove, which derives 20% of its sales from the US, sees this as a chance to boost production . However, Lim emphasized that Top Glove has no plans to build new manufacturing facilities in the US due to the high costs of production , which are three to four times higher than in Malaysia. He noted that any US expansion would only be feasible if subsidized by the government. Although Malaysian gloves are not affected by the tariffs, the industry has faced challenges in the past, including forced labor allegations . Competitors like Supermax Corp Bhd have opted to manufacture within the US , where

British government debt has surged to 100% of GDP for the first time in modern history, creating additional challenges for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves as she prepares her tax and spending plans . According to the Office for National Statistics , this marks the first time public sector net debt (excluding public sector-owned banks) has hit this level since 1993 . Government borrowing reached £13.734 billion in August, £3.3 billion more than the same month last year, exceeding expectations. Weak economic growth , alongside increased spending on social benefits and inflation-driven expenditures, contributed to the higher-than-expected deficit. Reeves, who has warned that tax increases will be necessary in her October 30 budget , has limited options after ruling out hikes in income , corporation , and value-added taxes . This leaves little room to address public service demands or increase investment, according to PwC economist Gora Suri . Over the first five months of the 2024/

Malaysia's domestic tourism sector recorded a 23.8% jump in visitors during the second quarter of 2024 , with 68.4 million visitors , according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) . This marks a 16.8% increase from the first quarter of 2024, which saw 58.6 million visitors . Tourism spending also surged, reaching RM28.1 billion in 2Q2024, a 28.6% increase from the same period last year and a 16.9% rise compared to the first quarter. The growth reflects a strong resurgence in domestic travel activity. In 2023, Malaysia's domestic tourism experienced an "exceptionally strong" performance, with 213.7 million domestic visitors, a 24.6% increase from 2022. Domestic tourism receipts for 2023 rose 32.5% to RM84.9 billion , although still below pre-pandemic levels of 2019, with a 10.6% decline in arrivals and 17.7% lower receipts . Key states driving domestic tourism receipts included Selangor , which led with RM11.1 billion , followed by Kuala Lumpur

The euphoria in equity markets following the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cut is raising the risk of a market bubble , making bonds and gold attractive hedges against potential recession or renewed inflation, according to Bank of America Corp's Michael Hartnett . Hartnett, who has been bearish on stocks and expressed a preference for bonds in 2024, warned that current stock market valuations are pricing in Fed easing and anticipating an 18% earnings growth for the S&P 500 by the end of 2025. While this outlook forces investors to chase the rally, Hartnett cautioned that bubble risks are resurfacing and advised investors to buy the dip in bonds and gold. Additionally, Hartnett recommended international stocks and commodities as potential plays on a soft economic landing , noting that international equities are currently cheaper and beginning to outperform US peers . Commodities also serve as a hedge against inflation. Global stocks rallied after the Fed's 50

The Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts (M-REITs) have achieved a 7% year-to-date increase on the Bursa Malaysia REIT Index , according to the Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA) . This growth has been attributed to peaking global benchmark interest rates and strong earnings growth fueled by sound fundamentals. The announcement was made at the MRMA's fourth REIT Forum , which was attended by Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong . Leong Kit May , Chair of MRMA and CEO of Axis REIT Managers Bhd , noted that M-REITs' commercial sub-sectors were bolstered by government policies, including the 30-day visa exemption for visitors from China and India . In the first half of 2024, tourism arrivals grew by 30% , and tourism receipts increased by 50% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the industrial property sub-sector has benefited from stable occupancy rates and rising foreign direct investments (FDI) . Johor Bahru has em

The Malaysian government unveiled a series of tax incentives aimed at reviving the Forest City special financial zone , including a 0% to 5% corporate tax rate and 0% tax for family offices. These measures are designed to attract international capital , businesses , and high-net-worth individuals to the area. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced a 15% personal income tax rate for knowledge workers and Malaysians who choose to work in Forest City, along with a 0% tax rate for family offices . The government aims to have the scheme operational by the first quarter of 2025 . The incentives are part of a broader effort to position Forest City, a 1,400-hectare development in Johor , as a hub for global financial services , financial technology , and foreign payment system operators . Forest City, which was declared a special financial zone in August 2023, has experienced slower-than-expected growth and currently houses a small fraction of its target 700,000 pop

Malaysia’s automotive market is expected to maintain stable growth in the affordable car segment , while the mid-market segment may face challenges due to the rollout of e-invoicing and potential changes in fuel subsidy policies , according to Kenanga Research . While the overall industry continues to enjoy solid demand, with a backlog of 160,000 units as of the end of August, Kenanga Research highlighted a “two-speed automotive market” through 2024. The research firm’s top pick in the sector is MBM Resources Bhd , which has significant exposure to Perodua , benefiting from a backlog of over 100,000 units and a 7% dividend yield . The firm has an outperform rating on MBM Resources with a target price of RM6.30 . The B40 segment, which is targeted by affordable car brands, is likely to be unaffected by fuel subsidy rationalization and may benefit from the progressive wage model and civil servant pay rises scheduled for December 2024. This increase will help civil servants reco

  The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report on Thursday criticizing social media companies for their inadequate data management practices and the lack of transparency regarding how user data is used by artificial intelligence systems . The report highlights major platforms like Meta , TikTok , and Twitch , among others, revealing how they collect, share, and retain vast amounts of user information with minimal user control. The report found that the data management policies of these companies, including YouTube , X (formerly Twitter) , Snap , Discord , and Reddit , are insufficient to protect users' privacy. Although specific companies' practices were anonymized, the FTC emphasized that data tracking technologies used for online advertising and data purchased from brokers create privacy risks that could lead to harms like identity theft and stalking . FTC Chair Lina Khan criticized the companies' reliance on surveillance practices , noting that these stra

  Japan's core consumer inflation rose for the fourth straight month in August, exceeding the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) 2% target and raising expectations of further interest rate hikes. The core consumer price index (CPI) , which excludes fresh food costs, increased 2.8% from a year earlier, following a 2.7% rise in July. This data comes just ahead of the BOJ's policy meeting conclusion, where the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.25% . A separate index that strips away both fresh food and fuel costs , seen as a more precise measure of demand-driven inflation by the BOJ, rose 2.0% in August, up from 1.9% in July. Economists like Marcel Thieliant , head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics, suggest that underlying inflation will likely remain around 2% over the coming months, potentially prompting another rate hike by the BOJ at its October meeting . The BOJ ended negative interest rates in March and raised short-term rates to 0.25% i

  Oil prices remained steady in early Asian trading on Friday but are poised to end the week higher for the second consecutive week, driven by the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cut and declining global crude stockpiles . Brent futures were trading slightly lower, down 19 cents to US$73.69 a barrel , but are up 4.3% for the week. Meanwhile, US crude rose six cents to US$72.01 a barrel , marking a 4.8% weekly gain . Both benchmarks have been recovering after reaching near three-year lows earlier this month, registering gains in five of the past seven sessions. The Fed's half-percentage-point rate cut on Wednesday has boosted expectations of increased economic activity and energy demand , despite concerns that the move signals a weaker US labor market . Additionally, US crude inventories dropped to a one-year low last week, further supporting prices. Analysts from Citi expect Brent crude to hover between US$70 and US$75 per barrel next quarter, citing a counter-s

US President Joe Biden expressed confidence that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates, a move he hailed as beneficial for American consumers. Speaking at an Economic Club of Washington event on Thursday, Biden emphasized his administration’s ongoing efforts to lower costs for Americans and highlighted the progress made in bringing inflation closer to the Fed's 2% target . " Interest rates are going to be coming down and they're expected to go down further. That's a good place for us to be," Biden remarked. He welcomed the Fed's half-percentage-point rate cut on Wednesday, calling it "good news for consumers" but acknowledged that more work is needed. Biden’s administration has focused on expanding domestic manufacturing , investing in clean energy and infrastructure, and capping drug costs for seniors. These policies have contributed to the creation of 16 million jobs and rising wages, according to Jeff Zients , the presi

  Warren Buffett has now turned his entire remaining US$34 billion stake in Bank of America Corp into pure profit, following a series of share disposals that have fully covered his original investment cost. According to a Thursday filing , Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold US$896 million worth of Bank of America shares this week, bringing total proceeds from stock sales and dividends to over US$14.6 billion , the amount Berkshire originally spent to build its position in the bank. Buffett, now 94 years old , first invested in Bank of America in 2011 through a US$5 billion deal for preferred stock and warrants. The investment was converted into common shares in 2017 after the bank increased its dividend, and the stock's value has grown substantially since. Berkshire’s ownership in Bank of America may soon dip below the 10% regulatory threshold , which would allow the company to delay disclosures of share transactions. Buffett has offered no public explanation for his re

DBS Group Holdings Ltd plans to double its wealth management fees by 2027 as wealthy investors increasingly move their assets to Asia . The bank’s income from servicing high-net-worth clients surpassed S$2 billion last year, and it expects to achieve the same growth in just half the time, according to Shee Tse Koon , head of consumer and wealth banking at DBS. The shift of global wealth to Asia has significantly boosted DBS’s fortunes. The bank, now the third-largest private bank in Asia (excluding China), is positioned alongside UBS Group AG and HSBC Holdings plc . Wealthy clients at DBS typically invest to enhance returns and seek assistance with trust and legacy planning . With total client assets reaching S$396 billion by June, DBS anticipates that figure will exceed S$500 billion by 2027. The bank expects a fourfold increase in clients investing and purchasing insurance products. DBS also manages about a third of Singapore's 1,650 single family offices , which have be

Malaysia has formally ratified the UK's accession into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) , marking a significant milestone as the country’s first bilateral free trade agreement with the UK . Malaysia joins other member countries including Japan , Singapore , Chile , New Zealand , Vietnam , and Peru in completing the necessary in-country ratification for the UK to join the trade bloc. With the UK’s inclusion, the CPTPP will represent 15% of global economic output . "We are pleased to welcome the UK into the CPTPP family ," said Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz , Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. He highlighted that the agreement would grant better access for Malaysian exports to the UK, particularly benefiting products such as palm oil , cocoa , rubber , electronics , chemicals , and machinery . With the agreement expected to enter into force by end-2024 , Malaysian exports to the UK will benefit

  Asian markets extended their rally on Friday, buoyed by the US Federal Reserve's outsized interest rate cut , while investors remained cautious ahead of the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) monetary policy decision. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks lagged, with the central bank holding its benchmark lending rates steady, disappointing those hoping for further policy support. MSCI's broad index of Asia-Pacific shares (excluding Japan) rose 0.5% , reaching a two-month high and aiming for a 2.4% weekly gain . Japan's Nikkei surged 1.9% , supported by a weaker yen and profit-taking from recent rallies. For the week, the Nikkei is up 3.4% . The BOJ is expected to maintain its short-term rate at 0.25% , with traders focused on signals from Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding future rate hikes . The yen has already dropped 1% this week, trading at 142.28 per US dollar , as Japan's core inflation continued to rise, bolstering expectations of further tightening by the BOJ later in the

The rapid expansion of the $1.7 trillion private credit industry , which more than doubled in size since 2019, is now encountering significant headwinds. As the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, the appeal of floating-rate debt is diminishing, posing a major challenge to this fast-growing sector. Lower benchmark rates make fixed-income investments more attractive to investors than variable-rate private credit. This shift is expected to intensify as the Fed projects further easing later this year, potentially slowing private credit’s growth trajectory. Adding to the industry’s woes are increased concerns from regulators , who worry about the spillover impact of any crisis in private credit on banks, which provide loans to private credit managers. Moreover, institutional capital allocations to private credit are stagnating, while falling oil prices could hamper Middle Eastern investments . New US regulations set to take effect in 2026 may also deter insurers from investing in th

  China is weighing the removal of major restrictions on home purchases in its largest cities, including Beijing and Shanghai , in a bid to revive its slumping housing market , according to sources familiar with the matter. Regulators are discussing proposals that would allow non-local buyers —those without a Hukou residence permit —to purchase homes in mega cities. This relaxation would remove a significant barrier that many smaller cities have already lifted, the sources said. The government is also considering eliminating the distinction between first- and second-home purchases , potentially enabling lower down payments and reduced mortgage rates for second-home buyers. Policymakers are under pressure to reverse a housing slump that has now dragged into its fourth year , slowing China's economy and leaving millions unemployed. Several financial institutions, including UBS Group AG and Bank of America Corp , predict China will miss its 5% growth target for this year. Addi

Tesla’s first European factory , located in Gruenheide, Brandenburg , has been a source of controversy despite generating thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue. Now, public discontent surrounding the plant may help the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party secure a win in the state elections on Sunday. The €5 billion (US$5.5 billion) factory, which opened in March 2022, has faced backlash from local residents, with concerns about its impact on the region’s groundwater . In a non-binding referendum in February, residents overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to expand the facility. Despite this, a scaled-down version of the expansion was approved in May by the local parliament, with only the AfD and a left-wing party opposing it. Local activist Manuela Hoyer criticized the decision, saying the government favored Elon Musk over environmental concerns. The AfD, currently leading in the polls with 28% , has capitalized on this discontent, positioning itself as a protest vo

Japan's Nikkei share average surged over 2% in early trading on Friday, buoyed by overnight gains on Wall Street and a weaker yen, while investors await the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) policy decision later in the day. As of 0156 GMT, the Nikkei was up 2.05% at 37,915.87 , with tech stocks leading the charge. Tokyo Electron , a major player in chip-making equipment, soared 5.8% , mirroring the chip sector rally in the US. A weaker yen also boosted Japanese equities, benefiting heavyweight exporters like Toyota Motor , which rose 1.5% , and Honda , which jumped 2.8% . The Topix index gained 1.49% . The rally followed US stock indexes reaching record highs on Thursday after the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, signaling confidence in the US economy and inflation control. While the BOJ is expected to maintain steady monetary policy, investors are closely watching for any signals regarding potential rate hikes. The yen was trading at 142.38 per dollar , easing from i

Ninja Van has suspended operations at its Vietnam unit, ECRM Nobita , as it works to address delayed salary and social insurance payments to employees, according to a report by the Straits Times (ST). The company aims to resolve the outstanding issues by the end of next week, according to co-founder Tan Boxian . The impacted unit operates three offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Vinh City , where it develops software solutions related to customer relationship management for online businesses. Ninja Van declined to disclose the amount owed to workers or comment on whether it plans to close its Vietnam offices, the report said.

  Thailand's baht is experiencing its most significant rally since the Asian financial crisis , surging 10% against the US dollar since the end of June. This sharp rise threatens to disrupt the recovery of Thailand's tourism and export industries, which are key drivers of the economy. The rally, largely driven by a US dollar slump ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate cut , has sparked concerns among industry leaders. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul have called on the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to temper the currency's strength and reduce its volatility. With the baht appreciating more than the currencies of Thailand’s trade partners, the Federation of Thai Industries fears buyers may start looking for cheaper alternatives, which could harm exports. The Tourism Council of Thailand has also expressed concern that the strong baht could begin to impact foreign tourist spending on shopping and hotels , though tourist ar

  Intel Corp has confirmed it has no plans to sell its majority stake in Mobileye Global , the autonomous driving technology firm, boosting Mobileye's shares by over 13% . The announcement comes in response to earlier reports suggesting Intel was considering selling a portion of its stake, which had led to a significant drop in Mobileye’s stock earlier this month. "We believe in the future of autonomous driving technology and in Mobileye's unique role as a leader in advanced driver assistance systems ," Intel stated, reaffirming its support for the company it acquired for US$15.3 billion in 2017. Intel still holds around 88.3% of Mobileye’s common stock as of December 30, according to Mobileye's annual report. Mobileye shares have faced significant challenges, dropping 73% this year , exacerbated by choppy demand for its driver-assistance chips, particularly due to market weakness in China. The company was forced to cut its revenue and profit forecasts in Au

  Australia's millennial households , those aged 29 to 43, have seen the steepest decline in real average disposable incomes over the past two years, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc , leading to a downgrade in economic growth estimates for the country. Real incomes for millennial households have dropped by 9.4% during this period, marking the largest decline among any age group, Goldman estimates. Inflation, higher taxes, and rising interest rates have disproportionately impacted this cohort, which tends to spend heavily on discretionary items , said economist William Nixon in a note to clients on Friday. Nixon pointed out that younger and middle-aged households face major financial headwinds , compounding the effects of inflation that have affected all age groups. This decline in income is expected to result in a more gradual recovery in consumption than previously estimated, with the government's recent tax cuts having a limited impact . Goldman has revised its agg

  Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL ) saw its shares rise to their highest level in seven weeks on Friday, following the release of better-than-expected third-quarter results . The stock climbed three sen (1.7%) to RM1.77 , its highest since August 1, 2024. As of 9:06 am, the stock traded at RM1.76 , giving the company a market capitalization of RM5.19 billion , with a trading volume of 594,400 shares. For the nine months ending July 31, 2024, EcoWorld's core net profit accounted for 82% of consensus full-year estimates . Additionally, the company has surpassed its own full-year sales target , leading analysts to increase their earnings forecasts . UOB Kay Hian raised its net profit forecast by up to 12% for FY2024-FY2026 , predicting that sales will reach RM3.8 billion by the financial year-end in October 2024. The research house also boosted its target price for EcoWorld to RM2.10 , maintaining a 'buy' call, citing the company’s improving balance sheet , return on e

Pharmaniaga Bhd (KL) expects its newly launched biopharmaceutical plant to significantly boost its gross profit margin to 30%-35% by FY2026. Located in Puchong, the facility, operated by Pharmaniaga Life Sciences Bhd, has an annual production capacity of 30 million doses of human insulin and other essential biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines and biosimilars . The company anticipates generating RM100 million per year from insulin and RM300 million annually from vaccines , marking a substantial revenue increase. Country Heights Holdings Bhd (KL) announced it would ask the contractor for its Kedah residential project, Lean Xing Construction Sdn Bhd, to withdraw a legal suit filed against its subsidiary, Country Heights Smart Living Sdn Bhd, over alleged unpaid payments . The project involves 90 modern homes in Kolej Heights Utara . If the contractor refuses to withdraw, Country Heights will notify Bursa Malaysia of potential reputational harm. Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL)

  Wall Street traders, optimistic that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will achieve a soft landing for the US economy, fueled a rally in riskier assets, driving the S&P 500 to a new all-time high. The index climbed 1.7% , marking its 39th record in 2024 and pushing this year's gains to approximately 20%. Tech stocks led the charge , while more defensive sectors lagged. The Nasdaq 100 rose 2.6% , and small caps in the Russell 2000 gained 2.1% . The rally occurred as traders braced for the quarterly "triple witching" event, which involves the expiration of derivatives contracts tied to stocks, index options, and futures. This could lead to increased market volatility, with US$5.1 trillion set to expire on Friday, coinciding with benchmark index rebalancing. The Fed's decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points re-ignited hopes that it can stave off a recession. Data released Thursday showing a decline in jobless claims to their lowest level since May bolst

  RHB Research has reiterated its "overweight" rating on the Malaysian property sector , anticipating significant capital inflows and increased buying interest as global interest rates begin to decline. Institutional investors, property buyers, and developers are expected to ramp up capital deployment, supported by the US Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts , which signal the start of a more accommodative monetary environment. The US Fed reduced interest rates by half a percentage point this week, marking an aggressive move to ease monetary conditions. RHB predicts Malaysia, particularly in high-growth areas , will remain an attractive market for both local and foreign property investors. The stabilizing ringgit and favorable interest rates further enhance Malaysia's position as a prime destination, especially for data centre (DC) investments and real estate transactions. "Malaysia's strategic location as a hub for data centre investments should contin

  The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained its interest rates at 0.25% during Friday's policy meeting, reinforcing confidence in Japan’s economic recovery. The central bank also issued an upgraded view on private consumption , reflecting optimism despite ongoing price increases. The BOJ's decision to keep rates steady was widely expected, as Governor Kazuo Ueda and policymakers assess the trajectory of inflation and economic growth. Markets are keenly awaiting Ueda’s post-meeting news conference, where his remarks could provide insights into the timing and pace of future rate hikes . " Private consumption has been on a moderate increasing trend despite the impact of price rises and other factors," the BOJ stated, marking a more optimistic outlook than its previous view of resilient consumption. The BOJ has already taken significant steps this year, including ending negative interest rates in March and raising short-term rates to 0.25% in July—a notable shift from the