KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...
Next time your teenager begs for fiery Buldak ramen or a quirky Labubu toy, don’t just roll your eyes. You might actually be staring at the next billion-dollar brand before Wall Street even notices.
Gen Alpha’s Growing Power
Born between 2010 and 2024, Gen Alpha is set to become the most influential consumer group in our lifetime.
Already, an estimated US$5.3 trillion (RM22.41 trillion) has been spent on them. By 2030, some will be working and earning their own money.
Unlike Gen Z’s love for “little treats,” Gen Alpha has something even bigger: their parents’ ears.
Over 90% of parents say their kids are great at discovering new products.
Children now influence about 42% of household spending.
The New Consumer Trendsetters
Parents — especially millennials, who have faced high costs of living, job insecurity, and rising housing prices — are listening to their kids more than ever.
This means brands pushed by influencers can gain momentum fast:
Labubu & Pop Mart: Even as social media buzz peaked, Pop Mart’s stock kept climbing, reaching a market cap bigger than Hello Kitty’s Sanrio and Barbie’s Mattel combined. Working moms have even made Labubu keychains part of the year’s fashion trend.
Buldak Ramen: Thanks to TikTok’s “Buldak Challenge,” Samyang Foods saw profits jump 34% in the first half of 2025. Its stock soared 82% this year, proving hot noodles can mean hot returns.
Why Big Brands Are Paying Attention
Today’s teens are picky shoppers. Multinationals can’t just throw ads at them — they need influencers, buzz, and authenticity.
In China, teens are even tougher to impress. Stores like Harmay sell mini luxury samples from Le Labo or La Prairie, teaching young shoppers to spot value instantly.
No wonder big players are snapping up influencer-founded labels. Example: Elf Beauty bought Hailey Bieber’s Rhode for US$1 billion.
The Takeaway
From second-hand shopping to meat-free living, young people are reshaping global consumption. For parents, that means two things:
Your kids are driving what ends up in the shopping cart.
They might also be pointing out the next big stock to buy.
👉 So, instead of dismissing their “weird” cravings and obsessions, maybe it’s time to take their shopping tips as investment tips too.
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