MONEY MASTER

ViTrox Corp’s outlook has dimmed amid growing concerns over  looming US tariffs , prompting more analysts to issue ‘sell’ calls despite the company’s latest earnings meeting expectations. Key Points: Analyst Downgrade:  Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) downgraded the stock after Q2 results, citing  valuation risks  and tariff uncertainty. Current Ratings:  5 ‘Sell’, 3 ‘Hold’, 4 ‘Buy’. Average Target Price:  RM3.21 — implying a potential  13% downside  from Friday’s RM3.72 close. Valuation Concerns: Shares have rebounded  60% from April lows , but now trade at  ~49x forward earnings . HLIB warns the valuation “appears stretched” given demand risks from possible US tariffs. US Tariff Risk: US President Donald Trump has hinted at  15% to 50% reciprocal tariffs , with an  Aug 1 deadline . A  blanket 25% tariff on Malaysian goods  is being considered, alongside  sector-specific tariffs on semiconductors . Tax Incenti...

Key Takeaway: Beijing and Shanghai have announced new tax incentives to stimulate home purchases, aiming to revive China's struggling property sector , which has long been a key driver of economic growth. Facing a persistent slowdown in the property market, Beijing and Shanghai have introduced value-added tax exemptions for homeowners selling properties held for over two years. The cities also raised the threshold for deed tax exemptions to properties larger than 140 square meters, up from 90 square meters. These measures follow recent nationwide tax breaks on home and land transactions , reflecting an urgent need to stabilize a market that once contributed nearly a quarter of China’s GDP . Despite these efforts, property stocks remain under pressure , with China’s real estate share index down 1% this week, and Hong Kong-listed mainland developers showing little movement. Analysts caution that broader consumer and investor confidence issues continue to weigh on the market. Add...

Key Takeaway: Shanghai becomes the first major Chinese city to introduce tax incentives aimed at rejuvenating its struggling property market, signaling a potential wave of similar policies across 'Tier One' cities. Highlights of Shanghai's Tax Incentives Value-Added Tax (VAT) Exemption: Sellers of existing properties are exempt from VAT if they hold the property for over two years . Deed Tax Adjustment: The threshold for levying deed tax has been raised from properties over 90 square meters to those over 140 square meters . Example: For a 10 million yuan apartment , deed tax is reduced to a minimum of 100,000 yuan , down from 300,000 yuan . Elimination of "Ordinary" vs. "Non-Ordinary" Housing Taxation: Properties larger than 144 square meters will no longer face higher taxes. Market Context Property Sector Challenges: The property market slump , once contributing 25% of China's economic activity , continues to weigh on growth. In October, resale ...

  Crescendo Corporation Bhd has announced plans to acquire SGR Land Development Sdn Bhd and assume its six land purchase agreements in Johor for a total of RM168.85 million . Crescendo will pay RM10.79 million for a 100% stake in SGR Land from owners Ong Soon Liong , Ong Soon Chong , and Lok Kok Lee , with the remaining RM158.06 million covering the land purchase obligations. The acquired land spans 135.03 acres and is strategically located with access to key infrastructure such as the Second Link to Singapore , Port of Tanjung Pelepas , North-South Expressway , and Senai International Airport . The location is ideal for the development of industrial properties , which Crescendo anticipates will benefit from expected investment and tax incentives within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone . SGR Land had previously signed six sale-and-purchase agreements for the land at prices ranging from RM26.50 to RM40 per square foot. These transactions are expected to be complet...

Former US President Donald Trump vowed to lure foreign companies to shift their operations to the US using tax incentives and the threat of steep tariffs , in a major economic address aimed at easing voter concerns over jobs and wages. “Under my leadership, we are going to take other countries’ jobs ,” Trump declared on Tuesday in Savannah, Georgia. “We are going to take their factories.” This speech is part of a week-long series of events where both Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris are amplifying their competing economic messages across swing states. With fewer than 50 days before the election, each candidate is pushing to prove they are the best fit to handle the US economy , a top issue for many voters. “We are going to bring thousands of businesses and trillions of dollars in wealth back to the good old USA,” Trump stated, calling for foreign automakers like Volkswagen , Toyota , and Hyundai to build their plants on US soil. However, Trump's plan relies on Congr...

The Malaysian government unveiled a series of tax incentives aimed at reviving the Forest City special financial zone , including a 0% to 5% corporate tax rate and 0% tax for family offices. These measures are designed to attract international capital , businesses , and high-net-worth individuals to the area. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced a 15% personal income tax rate for knowledge workers and Malaysians who choose to work in Forest City, along with a 0% tax rate for family offices . The government aims to have the scheme operational by the first quarter of 2025 . The incentives are part of a broader effort to position Forest City, a 1,400-hectare development in Johor , as a hub for global financial services , financial technology , and foreign payment system operators . Forest City, which was declared a special financial zone in August 2023, has experienced slower-than-expected growth and currently houses a small fraction of its target 700,000 pop...