KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index recouped earlier losses to settle higher, maintaining a more than six-year high, buoyed by continued buying interest in technology stocks, while the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar further lifted investor sentiment. At 2.27 pm today, the local currency strengthened to 3.9992 versus the greenback, its strongest level in more than seven years. It was last seen at this level on June 18, 2018, at 3.9960/9990. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 2.85 points or 0.17 per cent to 1,719.99 from yesterday’s close of 1,717.14. The index surpassed its previous peak of 1,719.00 recorded on Feb 26, 2019. The barometer index opened 1.30 points lower at 1,715.84 and moved between an intraday low of 1,711.89 in early trade and a high of 1,723.41 in late afternoon before slipping slightly toward the close. However, market breadth was negative with decl...
Malaysia is preparing a return to the US dollar bond market for the first time since 2021, as tightening spreads and buoyant global credit conditions open a window for sovereign fundraising.
The Finance Ministry has sent requests for proposals to banks for a potential dollar bond offering, primarily to refinance dollar bonds maturing this year, according to a ministry spokesperson. If executed, the deal would mark Malaysia’s first US-dollar issuance since raising US$1.3 billion in 2021.
Why Now
The timing reflects favourable market conditions. Spreads on Asian dollar debt tightened to record lows last week, echoing a strong global credit rally that has fuelled one of the busiest starts to a year for bond issuance since 2007. Malaysia’s macro backdrop has also improved, with Q4 GDP expanding 5.7% year-on-year, lifting full-year growth above official estimates.
Malaysia carries an A- sovereign rating from S&P Global Ratings, providing further support for market access amid strong investor demand for higher-quality Asian credits.
Refinancing Focus
Malaysia has a US$1 billion Islamic finance note maturing in April, based on Bloomberg data. A new dollar bond would help smooth refinancing needs while taking advantage of still-accommodative funding costs in offshore markets.
Growth Outlook & Risks
Officials are projecting economic growth of 4% to 4.5% in 2026, reflecting expectations of slower momentum amid rising global volatility. External risks remain elevated, particularly as renewed trade tensions weigh on risk sentiment following tariff threats by US President Donald Trump related to his Greenland push.
Market Read
Malaysia’s potential issuance highlights:
Continued access to global capital markets
Confidence in sovereign credit fundamentals
Tactical refinancing amid favourable spread conditions
Execution timing will likely depend on near-term market stability, especially as geopolitical headlines continue to drive volatility across rates and FX markets.
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