US retailers are scrambling to adjust their strategies as tariff rules shift again, adding fresh uncertainty to consumer spending and profit outlooks in 2026. Key Takeaways Tariff rate raised to 15% after Supreme Court ruling Retailers warn of “policy whiplash” complicating planning Companies reluctant to raise prices amid cautious consumers Middle East tensions add new shipping and fuel cost risks Tariff Landscape Shifts Again The US government lifted temporary import levies to 15% , up from 10%, after the Supreme Court struck down emergency duties. Retailers say the bigger problem isn’t just higher tariffs — it’s unpredictability. Key Point: Policy volatility, not just tariff levels, is the main risk for retailers. Companies can plan for higher costs — but not for rules that change week to week. Who Is Most Affected? Abercrombie & Fitch Factored the 15% tariff into forecasts Estimated 70 basis-point hit (~US$40 million) Previously projected US$90 million impact Best Buy Heav...
Bank Negara Malaysia kept rates unchanged as global markets swung on rising oil prices, while Bursa Malaysia climbed on bargain hunting despite geopolitical risks.
Key Takeaways
US stocks tumbled as oil surged 7.5% amid tanker strike reports
FBM KLCI rebounded 0.88% on bargain hunting
Bank Negara Malaysia maintained OPR at 2.75%
Energy volatility and geopolitical risk remain central market drivers
Wall Street: Oil Shock Triggers Selloff
Nasdaq Composite -0.6%
S&P 500 Index -0.8%
Dow Jones Industrial Average -1.7%
Crude Oil Futures spiked 7.5% to US$80.24 per barrel after Iranian state media reported that Tehran struck an oil tanker.
The Strait of Hormuz — responsible for roughly 20% of global oil flows — remains a flashpoint following US–Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Cryptocurrencies also pulled back:
Bitcoin -3%
Ethereum -3.7%
Key Point: Oil volatility reignited inflation fears, pressuring US equities and risk assets.
Bursa Malaysia: Bargain Hunting Lifts KLCI
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI +0.88% to 1,713.20
Top movers:
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd +3.38%
MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Bhd -1.16%
USD/MYR: 3.9411
The rebound reflected cautious bargain hunting amid a broader regional uptick, even as geopolitical uncertainty lingers.
Key Point: Local investors stepped in on dips despite external headwinds.
BNM Holds OPR at 2.75%
Bank Negara Malaysia maintained the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%.
The central bank highlighted:
Headline inflation at 1.6%
Core inflation at 2.3%
Balanced growth outlook
Despite Middle East tensions, global volatility and trade uncertainty, policymakers view the current stance as supportive of both growth and price stability.
Key Point: Moderate inflation gives BNM room to stay neutral despite rising external risks.
Stocks to Watch
NexG Bhd
Boardroom tussle intensifies after Raya Aviation became largest shareholder; executive chairman suspended amid calls for an EGM.
British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd
Managing director transition announced; Daniel Hsu to take over in August.
Paramount Corporation Bhd
Targets RM1.2b in 2026 sales; management confident margins will hold despite rising cost pressures.
Sunview Group Bhd
Secured RM289.71m EPCC contract for a solar plant in Bintulu.
EPB Group Bhd
Proposed transfer from ACE Market to Main Market.
Poh Huat Resources Holdings Bhd
Proposal to pay part of independent directors’ fees in shares to be voted on at April AGM.
Market Outlook
Markets are navigating three key forces:
Rising oil prices and inflation risks
Central bank caution amid uncertainty
Selective bargain hunting in regional equities
While Wall Street reacted sharply to the energy spike, Bursa Malaysia showed resilience supported by stable domestic fundamentals.
Overall theme: BNM stays steady as oil-driven volatility dominates global markets, while local equities find support on selective buying.
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