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Showing posts from March, 2026

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China Steel Isn’t Crashing It’s Quietly Rebalancing

China’s steel market is not collapsing despite the property downturn. Instead, demand is stabilising at a lower level as manufacturing, exports and new energy sectors gradually replace construction-driven demand. This is not a demand collapse, it’s a structural shift from property to industrial and export-driven demand. What’s Really Happening The sharp drop in construction activity has clearly hurt steel demand: Property-related steel (like rebar) has fallen significantly Construction’s share of demand is shrinking But the broader market tells a different story: Total steel demand is only slightly below past peaks Manufacturing, shipbuilding and energy transition sectors are absorbing demand Exports are acting as a key buffer Instead of a sudden crash, the industry is entering a  long plateau . Why This Matters The market had expected a sharp collapse but reality is more gradual: Demand is declining slowly, not falling off a cliff China is shifting from construction-led growth to ...
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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Rebounds To Close Slightly Higher, Led By Healthcare, Utilities & Banks

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Shares on Bursa Malaysia reversed yesterday’s losses to finish higher on Tuesday, driven by buying interest in healthcare, utilities and banking counters. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 2.46 points or 0.15 per cent to 1,690.36 from Monday’s close of 1,687.90.  The benchmark index opened 6.39 points firmer at 1,694.29 and moved between 1,688.98 and 1,695.77 throughout the day. The broader market was firmer, with gainers leading decliners 547 to 510. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,060 untraded and 60 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 3.64 billion units worth RM3.96 billion from yesterday’s 3.98 billion units worth RM4.85 billion.
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Wall Street Slides as Oil Surge Hits Tech Stocks Hard

US markets extended losses as  rising oil prices and a sharp sell-off in tech stocks weighed on sentiment , overshadowing dovish signals from the Federal Reserve. Key Market Moves S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 6,343.72 Nasdaq dropped 0.7% to 20,794.64 Dow Jones rose 0.1% to 45,216.14 Key takeaway: Tech weakness and oil-driven inflation fears are dragging the broader market lower. What’s Driving the Sell-Off? 1. Oil Prices Surge Again Crude oil jumped  over 5% to around US$105 Driven by ongoing  US–Iran–Israel conflict Higher oil = higher inflation risk = pressure on equities 2. Tech Stocks Lead the Decline Heavy losses in AI, chip, and data-related names: Applied Digital : -13.5% AXT Inc : -13% Micron Technology : -9.9% Arm Holdings : -5% Intel : -4.5% Super Micro Computer : -4.1% AI and semiconductor stocks are facing profit-taking and valuation concerns 3. Fed Comments Not Enough to Lift Sentiment Jerome Powell  signaled no immediate rate hikes despite rising energy pri...
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Malaysia Growth Outlook Stays Strong, But Global Risks Still Loom

Malaysia’s economy is expected to remain resilient in 2026, with  strong domestic demand and investments driving growth , even as global uncertainties persist. Key Highlights BNM forecasts GDP growth at 4%–5% in 2026 Higher than Ministry of Finance’s  4.0%–4.5% projection 2025 GDP grew 5.2% , beating expectations Key takeaway: Malaysia’s growth remains solid, supported by internal drivers despite global risks. What’s Driving Malaysia’s Growth? 1. Strong Domestic Consumption Supported by  steady income growth and labour market stability Civil servant salary adjustments to boost spending Private consumption remains the backbone of growth 2. Continued Investment Momentum Expansion driven by: E&E (electronics and semiconductors) ICT and digitalisation trends Ongoing infrastructure and approved projects Investment cycle remains positive, though moderating 3. Key Sectors Leading Growth Services sector (5.2% growth) Tourism (Visit Malaysia Year 2026) Financial services and I...
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Energy Shock Rewrites the Playbook: Why Nuclear & Clean Energy Are the Real Winners

The ongoing Middle East conflict is not just an oil story — it is triggering a  structural shift in global energy investment , with capital rotating toward  energy security-driven sectors . Energy Crisis Exposes Structural Weakness The disruption of the  Strait of Hormuz (≈20% of global oil flows)  has reinforced a critical reality: energy dependence = geopolitical risk . As highlighted in the report  , governments are no longer optimising for cost, they are prioritising  energy independence and supply resilience . This marks a shift from  “energy economics” to “energy security” , fundamentally changing investment flows. Clean Energy Becomes Strategic, Not Optional Rising oil prices and supply uncertainty have flipped the equation: Expensive oil →  renewables become economically viable faster Supply risk →  policy acceleration toward domestic energy sources This mirrors the  post-Ukraine war shift in 2022 , but on a broader scale. Key Se...
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Singapore Growth Risks Rise as Oil Shock Clouds Outlook

Singapore markets opened marginally higher, but underlying sentiment remains cautious as  Middle East tensions threaten economic growth and inflation stability . Market Holds Steady Despite Rising Risks The  FTSE Singapore Straits Times Index  edged up  0.05% to 4,899.83 , reflecting a  balanced market tone : Advancers: 57 | Decliners: 47 Trading activity remained relatively muted This suggests investors are  waiting for clearer macro signals  amid global uncertainty. Global Headwinds: Oil and Tech Weigh on US Markets On Wall Street, markets were mixed: Nasdaq Composite Index  fell  0.7% S&P 500 Index  declined  0.4% Dow Jones Industrial Average  rose  0.1% Losses in  technology stocks  and rising oil prices offset relatively  dovish comments from  Jerome Powell , who signalled no immediate need for rate hikes. Singapore Growth Outlook Faces Downside Risks RHB flagged  rising downside risks to ...
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BNM Maintains RM5b Dividend Despite Earnings Dip, Strengthens Financial Buffers

Bank Negara Malaysia  declared a  RM5 billion dividend for 2025 , maintaining payouts to the government despite a  moderation in earnings . Earnings Ease After Strong Prior Year BNM reported  net profit of RM12.45 billion in FY2025 , down  5.7% YoY  from RM13.16 billion. The decline was driven by: Lower total income (RM14.35 billion vs RM14.98 billion) Costs related to  reserve management and monetary operations Despite softer earnings, the central bank sustained its  second consecutive RM5 billion dividend , following a  record RM5.25 billion payout in 2024 . Strong Reserves Provide Stability A significant portion of profits —  RM7.45 billion  — was allocated to the  risk reserve , which rose to  RM155.31 billion . This reserve acts as a  financial buffer  against: Exchange rate volatility Global financial market fluctuations BNM highlighted that  85% of its assets are denominated in foreign currencies , re...
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Singapore CBD Office Rents Climb as Prime Occupancy Hits 97%

Singapore’s office market showed  resilience in Q1 2026 , with rents rising and occupancy tightening in prime CBD areas, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Prime CBD Rents Edge Higher Office rents in the  Raffles Place / Marina Bay  precinct increased  0.7% QoQ to S$11.57 psf/month , supported by strong demand for premium space. Occupancy surged to 97% , up  1.3 ppt QoQ  and  2.0 ppt YoY Overall CBD occupancy remained healthy at  94.7% This reflects continued preference for  high-quality Grade A office assets . Flight to Quality Drives Demand Leasing activity remains concentrated in  newer and higher-grade buildings , driven by: Renewals and upgrades Corporate  consolidation strategies Demand for  modern, efficient workspaces This “flight to quality” trend is supporting  rental resilience in prime districts . Decentralised Offices Face Pressure In contrast,  fringe and decentralised office locations  are...
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Oil Shock Sends Markets Reeling: Brent Surges 59% as Asia Stocks Tumble

Global markets closed March on a volatile note as the Iran conflict triggered a  historic surge in oil prices , fuelling inflation fears and driving a broad  risk-off selloff across equities and bonds . Oil Prices Post Record Monthly Surge Brent crude is on track for a  ~59% monthly gain , the largest on record, trading near  US$115 per barrel . US crude rose  ~56% for the month Supply disruptions tied to the  Strait of Hormuz  continue to tighten markets The sharp rise in energy prices has intensified concerns over  persistent inflation and economic slowdown . Asian Stocks Hit Hardest Since 2022 Equities across Asia have suffered steep losses: MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan down >12% for March Japan’s Nikkei set to fall  12.6% South Korea’s Kospi plunging  >17% , worst since 2008 The region’s heavy reliance on  Middle East energy imports  has amplified downside risks. Inflation Fears Reshape Rate Expectations The oil shock h...
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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower On Caution Over Rising Oil Prices, West Asia Tensions

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower today, in line with most regional markets, as investors adjusted their risk exposure amid spiralling oil prices driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict, now in its second month. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) retreated by 24.75 points or 1.44 per cent to 1,687.90 from Friday’s close of 1,712.65. The market bellwether opened 10.57 points weaker at 1,702.08 and fluctuated between 1,682.79 and 1,702.38. The broader market was bearish, with decliners thumping advancers 956 to 371. A total of 373 counters were unchanged, 1,042 untraded and 134 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.98 billion units worth RM4.85 billion from last Friday’s 2.97 billion units worth RM3.25 billion.
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Euro Set for Worst Quarter Since 2024 as Energy Shock Undermines Outlook

Euro  is on track for its  worst quarterly performance since 2024 , as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions expose Europe’s  structural vulnerability to energy imports . Currency Weakness Accelerates on Oil Shock The euro has declined: ~2% this quarter ~2.5% in March , the steepest monthly drop since July It now trades near  US$1.15 , reversing sharply from levels above  US$1.20 earlier this year . Analysts warn the currency could weaken further toward  US$1.13  in the near term. Energy Dependence Weighs on Europe The selloff reflects Europe’s heavy reliance on imported energy: Oil prices have surged  above US$115 per barrel The  Strait of Hormuz disruption  is tightening supply Unlike the US, which benefits as a  net energy producer , Europe faces: Higher inflation Weaker economic growth Policy Outlook Turns Hawkish — But Growth Risks Persist Markets are now pricing: Three interest rate hikes in 2026 A sharp reversal from ex...
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Nvidia Valuation Hits 7-Year Low as AI Optimism Meets War-Driven Selloff

Nvidia (NVDA.US)  is now trading at its  lowest price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio in seven years , as geopolitical tensions and concerns over AI returns weigh heavily on investor sentiment. Valuation Compression Signals Market Caution Nvidia’s forward  P/E has dropped to ~19.6x , falling below the  S&P 500 average (~20x)  — an unusual shift for a high-growth technology leader. The decline follows a  ~20% drop from its October peak , wiping out over  US$800 billion in market value , despite strong fundamentals. War and Inflation Fears Drive Selloff The broader market downturn, triggered by the  Middle East conflict , has raised concerns that: Oil prices will remain elevated Inflation could reaccelerate Central banks may  delay rate cuts or tighten policy These macro risks have pressured high-growth tech stocks, including Nvidia. AI Spending Concerns Weigh on Outlook Investor sentiment has also been hit by doubts around  AI monetisation ti...
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China’s Big Banks Post Weak Profit Growth as Margin Pressure Bites

China’s state-owned lenders delivered  muted earnings growth in 2025 , highlighting ongoing pressure from  policy-driven lending and shrinking interest margins . Profit Growth Slows Across Major Lenders Agricultural Bank of China  reported  net profit growth of 3.2% to 291 billion yuan , while  Bank of China  posted a weaker  2.2% increase . Similar trends were seen across peers, including  Industrial and Commercial Bank of China  and  China Construction Bank , reflecting  sector-wide earnings constraints . Despite the modest growth, total industry profits still reached  2.38 trillion yuan , up  2.3% year-on-year . Margin Compression Remains Key Headwind The banking sector continues to face a  “double squeeze” : Record-low net interest margins (NIMs) Policy pressure to support economic growth through lending This has limited profitability even as loan volumes expand. Asset Quality Shows Early Signs of Stress While hea...
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Bursa Malaysia Slides: KLCI Drops as Selling Pressure Dominates

Market Summary (March 30, 2026) Malaysia equities ended sharply lower, with  broad-based selling across all indices : FBM KLCI:  1,687.90 (-1.45%) FBM Mid 70:  -1.65% FBM Small Cap:  -1.53% FBM ACE:  -1.91% Market breadth turned negative: Losers (956) significantly outnumbered gainers (371) Trading value jumped to  RM4.85 billion , indicating strong selling activity Key takeaway: Market sentiment turned risk-off, with heavy distribution across sectors. Ringgit & Liquidity Snapshot USD/MYR:  4.0305 SGD/MYR:  3.1250 Despite equity weakness, the ringgit remained relatively stable. Top Gainers: Energy & Commodities Shine Gainers were concentrated in  plantation, commodities, and energy-related stocks : Kuala Lumpur Kepong   (+6.76%) Press Metal Aluminium   (+6.31%) Petronas Chemicals Group   (+5.69%) SD Guthrie   (+4.90%) Commodity-linked stocks benefited from rising oil and resource prices. Top Losers: Broad Selloff H...
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