MONEY MASTER

Escalating Middle East tensions are reigniting momentum in commodity markets, and Maybank Investment Bank sees  short-term trading opportunities emerging in oil- and aluminium-linked counters  despite broader equity volatility. Crude oil has jumped nearly 46% in just two weeks — the sharpest rally since the post-pandemic rebound — while aluminium continues its bullish climb. Key Takeaways Crude oil up nearly 46% in two weeks Aluminium extends rally, widening producer margins Maybank highlights PETRONAS Chemicals and Press Metal as trading plays Elevated freight rates may benefit Westports Defensive yield plays remain attractive FBM KLCI 2026 target maintained at 1,780 (bear case: 1,550) Commodity-Linked Stocks in Focus Maybank identifies tactical opportunities in: PETRONAS Chemicals Group Bhd  – Higher average selling prices amid oil spike Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd  – Wider aluminium spreads Westports Holdings Bhd  – Potential upside from elevated freig...

 Aluminium Prices Hit One-Year High Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB) remains positive on  Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd (PMETAL)  as aluminium prices climb to their highest in a year amid tight global supply. Prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose to  US$2,737 per tonne in September , already exceeding Maybank’s year-end forecast of  US$2,550 per tonne . The research house highlighted that inventories remain near multi-decade lows, while sanctions on Russia and China’s 45 million tonne production cap continue to squeeze supply. High energy costs have also led to smelter shutdowns in some regions, adding to the deficit risk. U.S. Dollar Weakness a Key Earnings Headwind While a weaker greenback could support aluminium demand globally, Maybank IB cautioned that it poses a downside risk for Press Metal’s earnings. This is because the company  earns revenue in U.S. dollars but reports in ringgit . Maybank estimates that a  5% depreciation o...

The European Union is prioritizing negotiations over retaliatory tariffs in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports starting March 12 . EU officials aim to  prevent a full-scale trade war , though they remain prepared for countermeasures if talks fail. 🔹 EU’s Strategy: Dialogue Over Retaliation 📌  EU trade ministers held a video conference  to coordinate their response, emphasizing a  unified front  in upcoming negotiations. 📌  While countermeasures were discussed , including reinstating  2018 tariffs on US goods (bourbon, motorcycles, orange juice) , the primary approach remains  diplomacy . 📌  EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic  had his first call with  US officials, including Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and USTR nominee Jamieson Greer , with both sides agreeing to meet soon. 💬  Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris:   "There is a window for negotiat...