KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
European automakers are facing the prospect of major production disruptions if a growing dispute over Dutch chipmaker Nexperia isn’t swiftly resolved, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) cautioned on Thursday.
The conflict stems from the Dutch government’s decision to seize control of Nexperia, a China-owned firm, due to concerns about potential technology transfer to its parent company, Wingtech. The move has placed Nexperia squarely in the middle of rising U.S.-China tech tensions, with President Donald Trump imposing pressure on Chinese firms while Beijing retaliates through export restrictions.
Supply Chain Concerns
Nexperia informed clients last week that it could no longer guarantee chip deliveries, prompting alarm across Europe’s auto sector.
“Without these chips, suppliers cannot build key components for automakers — threatening production stoppages,” ACEA said in a statement.
While Nexperia’s chips aren’t highly advanced, they are essential in large quantities for vehicles’ electronic systems. Its main plant is in Hamburg, Germany, but most chips are assembled and packaged in China, now restricted by new export controls.
Automakers on Alert
Major carmakers including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as suppliers like Bosch, confirmed they are monitoring the situation closely.
Volkswagen and BMW said operations have not yet been affected but are reviewing potential risks.
Bosch stated it remains in contact with Nexperia.
Stellantis added it is assessing the situation and developing mitigation plans.
Geopolitical Backdrop
The Dutch government’s intervention came after months of U.S. pressure, with Wingtech being placed on Washington’s entity list in December. Under U.S. export rules, any company more than 50% owned by a blacklisted entity is also subject to trade restrictions.
In response, China’s Commerce Ministry has accused Western governments of political interference and vowed to “safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”
Nexperia said it is engaging with Chinese authorities to seek exemptions from the export restrictions and hopes to resolve the issue “in the best interests of all parties.”
The dispute adds yet another layer of uncertainty to Europe’s automotive supply chains, already strained by tariffs, competition from China, and fragile global demand.
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