Commodities

Oil gains as investors weigh Middle East tensions

OIL prices rose on Monday as investors weighed Middle East tensions that could disrupt supply, while a major hurdle remains in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Economy

BOJ debated need for more rate hikes even after December move, summary shows

TOKYO: Bank of Japan policymakers debated the need to keep raising interest rates even after a hike in December with one calling for increases every few months, a summary of opinions showed, highlighting their focus on inflationary pressures.

Markets

Asian stocks rise, precious metals hit records on Fed rate cut bets

SINGAPORE: Asian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.

Forex

Ringgit opens higher for 12th consecutive session

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit continued its upward momentum on Monday, opening higher for the 12th consecutive session ahead of a holiday-shortened trading week leading into the New Year.

Markets

Bursa Malaysia remains subdued amid year-end mood

KUALA LUMPUR: With investors revelling in year-end celebrations, the domestic market is expected to stay in range-bound over the final days of 2025 trading.

Corporate News

Trading ideas: PetGas, Gas Malaysia, SD Guthrie, TRC, Nationgate, Resintech, Tanco, UOA REIT, Ekovest

KUALA LUMPUR: Here is a recap of the announcements that made headlines in Corporate Malaysia.

Economy

Greening the chemical and fertiliser industry

HANOI: Industrial chemicals and fertilisers play an important role in agricultural production, but they are also resource intensive and generate large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that cause environmental pollution.

Economy

Vietnam launches pilot agriculture traceability system

HANOI: The Agriculture and Environment Ministry is launching Vietnam's Agriculture Traceability System, marking an important step in promoting agricultural digital transformation, improving information transparency, and enhancing the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.

Economy

Strong job market to underpin retail in 2026

SINGAPORE: Consumer spending in Singapore is likely to remain robust next year, supported by improving job prospects and steady investment returns, economists say.

Economy

China’s industrial profits tumble at fastest pace in over a year

BEIJING: Profits at China's industrial firms in November fell at their fastest pace in over a year, as weak domestic demand offset resilience in exports in another sign of a stuttering economic recovery that backs calls for additional policy stimulus.

Corporate News

Target faces activist investor pressure amid sales decline

New York: Activist investor Toms Capital Investment Management (TCIM) has made a significant investment in Target Corp, the Financial Times reports, intensifying pressure on the struggling retailer after years of lagging performance compared with its rivals.

Markets

Green debt sales hit record levels

LONDON: Investors have piled into climate-friendly assets this year despite policy and regulatory rollbacks in the United States and Europe, as artificial intelligence (AI) drives a boom in energy infrastructure demand.

Economy

Growing energy saving sector helps cut emissions

BEIJING: China is seeing notable growth in both the number of companies and employees dedicated to energy conservation in 2024, an expansion that is contributing significantly to reducing the country's carbon emissions, according to a report released last Thursday.

Markets

Brutal year for stock picking spurs fund exodus

New York: The last thing a diversified fund manager wants is to run a portfolio dominated by just seven technology companies – all American, all mega-cap, clustered in the same corner of the economy.

Auto

Auto sector outlook brightens amid stronger 4Q momentum

PETALING JAYA: RHB Research has lifted its total industry volume (TIV) forecast for 2025 after the earnings of automotive companies for the third quarter ended September (3Q25) were deemed "overall in-line" with expectations.

Markets

Holiday-thinned trade to keep Bursa Malaysia range-bound this week 

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade largely sideways this week, as holiday conditions continue to dampen market activity, says an economist.

Economy

Unlocking billion-dollar potential for coconuts

HANOI: As plant-based products surge worldwide, a coconut powerhouse is taking shape in Vietnam's Mekong Delta.

Economy

Malaysia’s 2025 exports hit RM1.45 trillion as of November

KEPALA BATAS: Malaysia's export value reached RM1.45 trillion for the period of January to November this year, while total trade hit RM2.77 trillion for the same period.

Corporate News

Builders expected to gain from mega projects

PETALING JAYA: Construction companies will be heading into 2026 by focusing on enhancing efficiency and resilience, while cautiously exploring strategic ventures and new opportunities that offer sustainable returns.

Commodities

If I were an oil palm fruit bunch

I HAVE long harboured a quiet ambition – not the trumpet-blowing kind of social media, but a stubborn wish to explain palm oil without frightening flow charts or reviving science trauma.