This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on October 13, 2016.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the apparent weak consumer sentiment since the implementation of the goods and services tax in April last year, the Malaysian retail scene remains energ...

Retail industry remains vibrant, says Pemandu

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Despite the apparent weak consumer sentiment since the implementation of goods and services tax in April last year, the Malaysian retail scene remains energetic with more global brands getting a foothold in the country.

According to Performance Management and Deli...

Malaysian retail industry remains vibrant, says Pemandu

Infrastructure works on the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), which is set to draw RM72 billion investments over 25 years, are set to begin in 2026, with the first phase of the project targeted to start as early as 2030.

Lumut Maritime Industrial City to draw RM72b investments, infra works to start in 2026 — Perak State Development Corp

Thailand’s tariff talks with the Trump administration will factor in the impact of the high taxes slapped on China, as local producers fret over the risk of an increase in the influx of cheap imports from the Asian neighbour, according to officials.

Thailand says US tariff talks to factor in high Chinese levy

A Chinese state newspaper suggested it’s time to ease monetary policy to support the economy, as rising trade tensions with the US threaten its growth outlook.

Chinese state media hints at rate cuts to counter Trump’s tariffs

China said on Thursday it would immediately restrict imports of Hollywood films in retaliation for President Donald Trump's escalation of US tariffs on imported Chinese goods.

After three decades during which China annually imported 10 Hollywood movies, its National Film Administration said Trump's increase of tariffs on Chinese imports would further sour domestic demand for US cinema in China after years of decline.

Beijing bites back at US tariffs by curbing Hollywood imports

HeiTech Padu Bhd (KL:HTPADU) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to form strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI) computing power cloud services.

HeiTech Padu inks two MOUs to explore AI computing power cloud services

It is possible for Apple Inc to move iPhone production to America, but it would almost double the cost of making the device while creating logistical headaches, according to Bank of America (BofA).

Apple’s iPhone cost could rise 90% if it’s made in US, says Bank of America

Malaysia's central bank will wait for the global situation on trade tariffs to settle before making policy recommendations or revising growth forecasts, its governor said on Thursday.

Malaysia to await tariffs clarity before revising outlook, BNM governor says 

Read more in the Apr 14 edition of The Edge Malaysia Weekly. Pick up from the newsstands or subscribe at https://theedgemalaysia.com/subscription

Trump’s big blunder – and no, it is not tariff per se

WASHINGTON (April 10): The U.S. government said on Wednesday it will begin screening the social media of immigrants and visa applicants for what it called antisemitic activity, leading to swift condemnations from rights advocates, including some Jewish ones, who raised free speech and surveillanc...

US to screen social media of immigrants

KUALA LUMPUR (April 10): The Health Ministry (MOH) has lodged a police report regarding several comments on social media, claiming there were deaths in the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

MOH lodges police report over claims of death in gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights

Some Malaysian exporters of manufactured goods destined for the United States have temporarily halted shipments as they await clearer information on the financial implications of the newly imposed tariffs, which took effect on Wednesday.

Malaysian exporters halt US shipments amid tariff confusion

Malaysian stocks staged a broad relief rally on Thursday after the US announced a pause to its reciprocal tariffs on all but one of its trading partners.

Malaysian stocks rebound, broad relief rally adds back RM75 bil to market 

This article for the Tong's Portfolio column — which predicts a likely walk back of some of the tariffs — was prepared for this coming week's issue of The Edge Malaysia and The Edge Singapore, but because of President Donald Trump's U-turn overnight (albeit for 90 days), we have decided to publish it online first.

Trump's big blunder — and no, it's not tariff per se

Bids for the Penang International Airport's (PIA) main terminal building&nbsp;under Package 3 are expected to open in May this year, ahead of its scheduled 2027 completion.

Gamuda, IJM, MRCB, SunCon could bid for Penang International Airport's main terminal building under Package 3 in May, estimated at RM1.2b — CIMB

AmBank Group has granted RM307 million in financing facilities to Chin Hin Group Bhd’s (KL:CHINHIN) subsidiaries, Aricia Sdn Bhd and Makna Setia Sdn Bhd, to support several new property and infrastructure developments in the Klang Valley and Sabah and Sarawak.

AmBank grants RM307m in financing to Chin Hin Group for infrastructure projects

(April 9): Senator Adam Schiff on Wednesday called on Congress to investigate whether US President Donald Trump engaged in insider trading or market manipulation when he abruptly paused a sweeping set of tariffs, a move that sent stock prices skyrocketing.

Senator Adam Schiff calls for insider trading investigation into Trump over tariff pause

Umno has filed an originating summons (OS) at the High Court last month seeking a declaration and an order for a 9,723 square metre land to be transferred to the political party. The land, which is now the Seri Pacific Hotel, here, is currently held in trust by four people, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin.

Umno wants transfer of Seri Pacific hotel land held under trusteeship of Dr M, Daim, two others

Malaysia welcomes the US’ overnight decision to pause the sweeping tariff increase, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said on Thursday.

Zafrul: Malaysia welcomes US tariff pause, now assessing implications

As Donald Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs took effect just after midnight on Wednesday, the president was watching the bond market.

Long-term yields were soaring. The 10-year Treasury saw the biggest three-day jump since 2001. The president was confronting a worst-case scenario: voters who had returned him to the White House because of inflation now faced both increased prices and higher borrowing costs.

Bond chaos, deal mania and Jamie Dimon: Inside Trump’s tariff reversal

Technology stocks rallied on Thursday following the announcement of a 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs, amid growing optimism that Malaysia could benefit from the deepening trade rift between the US and China.

Inari Amertron leads tech stocks rebound on 90-day tariff pause, Malaysia's chances amid US-China tensions

Engineering firm West River Bhd is now taking applications from investors for its initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market.

West River now taking IPO applications at 39 sen per share for ACE Market listing

KUALA LUMPUR (April 10): Malaysia’s palm oil stocks posted their first rise in six months in March, as production recovered and imports rose sharply, offsetting strong festive demand, data from the industry regulator showed on Thursday.

Malaysia’s palm oil stocks rise for first time in six months in March

(April 10): Bonds from Australia to Japan swung in the wake of a chaotic day in the US Treasuries market, forcing traders to confront the possibility that volatility from trade war jitters is only just beginning.

Swings in US Treasuries trigger global bond market aftershocks

HANOI (April 10): The 20-year production sharing contract (PSC) extension for Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd’s (KL:HIBISCS) largest oil asset works as a key enabler to monetise the group’s development plans offshore northeast Malaysia, which includes new wells and gas processing from nearby fields.&nbsp;

Hibiscus: 20-year PSC extension key enabler for developing new wells, processing gas from nearby assets

Donald Trump’s 90-day reprieve on some tariffs sent the stock market soaring Wednesday. But the chaos sown by the president’s trade war means corporate America is planning for a recession.

CEOs brace for recession even after tariff reprieve boosts stocks

Lip-Bu Tan, the man chosen to lead Intel, the US' largest chip maker, has invested in hundreds of Chinese tech firms, including at least eight with links to the People's Liberation Army, according to a Reuters review of Chinese and US corporate filings.

Intel CEO invested in hundreds of Chinese companies, some with military ties

OF the 115 companies that had a market capitalisation of at least RM1 billion as at last Tuesday, 95 - or 83% - have seen a year-to-date (YTD) fall in their share prices. Taking a defensive investment approach in the challenging market, The Edge highlights 10 stocks worth looking at in the second...

Cover Story: Battered stocks worth a look

Oil prices surged from a four-year low on Wednesday and gold rallied in a broad-based commodities and equity market rebound after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said he would temporarily lower recently enacted tariffs on dozens of countries while further increasing duties on China.

Energy, metals, grains surge after Trump tariff pause

WASHINGTON (April 9): US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, aimed at reviving US shipbuilding and reducing China's grip on the global shipping industry, vowing to boost funding for the effort in coming years.

Trump signs executive order seeking to revitalise US shipbuilding

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has held a meeting via a video link with Investment,&nbsp;Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, as Malaysia currently holds the rotating chair of Asean, said a statement released by China's Commerce Ministry on Thursday.

Liew Jia Teng & Neily Syafiqah Mohamed Eusoff