MONEY MASTER

Emerging Asian equities advanced on Wednesday, led by strong gains in  South Korea and Taiwan’s technology sectors , as easing oil prices and optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) helped improve investor sentiment ahead of the  US Federal Reserve’s policy decision . Tech Stocks Drive Regional Gains Markets in  South Korea surged up to 4% , reaching their highest level since early March, while  Taiwan equities rose 1.7% , hitting a two-week high. The rally in these tech-heavy markets lifted the  MSCI Emerging Asia Index by 1.6% , as investors rotated back into  AI and semiconductor stocks , where earnings visibility remains strong. According to BNP Paribas Asset Management,  AI-driven demand and semiconductor strength  continue to underpin the region’s equity outlook despite broader uncertainties. ASEAN Markets Follow Higher The positive momentum extended across Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand markets rose around 1% The...

Asian equity-index futures are edging higher as the  US dollar slumps to a near four-year low , while gold and risk assets remain bid. For Malaysia, this macro mix is  more supportive than it first appears , reinforcing the recent strength in both the  ringgit  and  FBM KLCI . The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index has fallen to its weakest level since early 2022, driven by investor unease over US policy unpredictability and renewed speculation around  coordinated FX intervention  to guide the dollar lower. President Donald Trump’s remarks that he is “not concerned” about dollar weakness have further emboldened the move. Why This Matters for Malaysia (Not Just Global Markets) 1. Ringgit Strength Gets Structural Backing A weaker dollar environment is reinforcing the ringgit’s breakout, which has already pushed  USD/MYR toward the 3.95 handle . For Malaysia: Capital inflows into  local equities  become more attractive on a currency-adjusted basis...

Malaysia closed out 2025 with a  strong trade surprise and firmer inflation , riding a late-year export wave even as economists brace for a moderation in growth heading into 2026, according to  OCBC Group Research . December Trade Beats by a Wide Margin Malaysia’s December trade data  far exceeded market expectations , driven by a sharp acceleration in exports. Export growth jumped to  10.4% YoY  in December, up from 7% in November and well above the  2.5% consensus forecast . Imports remained solid at  12.0% YoY , though slower than November’s 15.8%. As a result, Malaysia’s  trade surplus widened to RM9.3 billion . Electronics Lead the Export Surge The export strength was largely powered by  manufactured goods , particularly: Electronics & Electrical (E&E) products Machinery and appliances Optical & scientific equipment OCBC attributed the surge to the ongoing  global electronics upcycle  and resilient demand from key m...

The Asean region is experiencing a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, while Thailand presents a mixed performance, according to a report by Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB). Key Insights: EV Sales Growth in Asean: Malaysia: EV registrations rose by 142% year-on-year to 10,663 fully electric cars in the first half of 2024 (1H2024). Indonesia: EV sales surged by 104% to 11,943 units. Singapore: EV sales increased by 218% year-on-year, reaching 6,019 units and surpassing the 2023 total. Thailand: Despite a strong start in January 2024, the market has shown mixed results throughout the year. Driving Factors: Favourable regulations and incentives for EV adoption. The presence and expansion of local EV brands. Increased penetration by Chinese carmakers in the region. Maybank IB emphasizes a preference for Asean companies that collaborate with Chinese carmakers in manufacturing and sales, as well as those involved...