Indonesia's government is maintaining its forecast that the budget deficit will be 2.53% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year despite a 30% plunge in tax revenues in the first two months of 2025, the finance minister said on Thursday.

Indonesia keeps 2025 budget deficit forecast unchanged despite tax revenues slump

Indonesia's economy grew 5.03% in 2024, roughly similar to the previous year's rate and in line with expectations, but the pace was the slowest in three years, official data showed on Wednesday, raising hopes of further stimulus measures.

Indonesia's economy expands 5% in 2024, more rate cuts seen in bumpy 2025

Indonesia's anti-graft agency raided the headquarters of the central bank in Jakarta on Monday in relation to a probe into alleged mishandling of a corporate social responsibility programme, the agency and the central bank said.

Indonesia anti-graft body searches central bank's headquarters

Indonesia's economic growth held steady in the first quarter, as improving consumption and government spending offset a slowdown in exports and investment in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Indonesia 1Q GDP beats forecasts on consumer, govt spending

Malaysia will fortify its position as a centre of competitive trade, finance, and technology amid global changes, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia to fortify position as centre of competitive trade, finance and technology — Anwar

The legal practitioner arrested over corruption related to birth registration is suspected of processing birth certificate applications after receiving payment from applicants.

According to a source, applicants were required to make a payment before the legal practitioner processed documents related to birth certificate applications.

Op Birth: Detained legal practitioner assisted syndicate in registering birth

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigation papers on the alleged bribery and misappropriation of funds involving Sapura Energy Bhd.

MACC opens two investigation papers involving Sapura Energy

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had two choices as the clock ticked down to the government funding deadline: drop his threat to block the Republican bill or force a disruptive March 15 shutdown.

Schumer retreats on shutdown threat, enhancing bill’s prospects

US stocks rose on Friday after a broad selloff on Wall Street during the week as investors assessed the fallout of tariff policies on economic growth, while new data signalled deteriorating consumer sentiment and a surge in inflation expectations.

Wall St climbs after string of sharp losses as investors weigh tariff impact

US consumer sentiment fell to a more than two-year low and long-term inflation expectations jumped by the most since 1993, illustrating growing apprehension about the economic impact from tariffs.

US consumer sentiment drops, price expectations soar on tariffs

US President Donald Trump appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to spare the lives of thousands of Ukrainian troops he said were in a “very bad and vulnerable position” and avoid what he said would be a massacre unlike anything since World War II.

Trump asks Russia to spare Ukrainian troops in ceasefire push

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made news on Friday.

Pertama Digital, MAG, Axiata, HHRG, KJTS, TT Vision, Catcha Digital

President Donald Trump's administration is expected on Friday to move ahead with a second wave of mass firings and budget cuts across the US federal government even as two federal judges ordered it to reinstate thousands of federal workers.

Trump looks to press ahead with more lay-offs even as courts order some reinstatements

Tin prices extended gains to hit the highest in more than two years, as a halt to production at a major mine in Africa that’s threatened by insurgents continues to fan this year’s biggest rally on the London Metal Exchange (LME).

Tin extends LME’s biggest rally as Congo halt deepens shortage

Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing has raised Beijing’s ire by agreeing to sell its control over ports in Panama to appease President Donald Trump. But there may be little the Chinese authorities can do to punish him for it.

Li Ka-shing has little to lose as China threatens Panama deal

HHRG Bhd’s largest substantial shareholders, Ch’ng Chen Mong and Tan Poh Cheng, have disposed of their entire 17.77% stake in the Penang-based biomass material manufacturer at a steep discount.

HHRG’s largest shareholders dispose of entire stake at a steep 94% discount

Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) neither denied nor confirmed news that it is evaluating the sale of its shale oil asset in Argentina, but said that it continuously reviews its business portfolio in all countries where it has investments.

Petronas keeps mum on news of its possible exit from Argentina

Government e-services provider Pertama Digital Bhd (KL:PERTAMA) plans to acquire 80% stakes in two companies, D-Ron Singapore Pte Ltd (D-Ron SG) and D-Ron Malaysia Sdn Bhd (D-Ron MY), for RM106.12 million in cash.

Pertama Digital acquires 80% stakes in two companies for RM106m as part of its regularisation plan

The slump in US stocks is a technical correction rather than the beginning of a new bear market as it’s likely to prompt policy intervention, according to Bank of America Corp’s Michael Hartnett.

BofA says US stocks rout is correction, not start of bear market

Malaysia’s central bank on Friday announced the appointment of Aznan Abdul Aziz as deputy governor following the retirement of Jessica Chew Cheng Lian.

BNM names Aznan Abdul Aziz as deputy governor as Jessica Chew retires

BENGALURU (March 14): The US&nbsp;and Israel have contacted officials of three East African countries to discuss using their territories for resettling Palestinians from Gaza, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Friday, citing US and Israeli officials.

US and Israel look to Africa for resettling Palestinians uprooted from Gaza, AP reports

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made news on Friday.

A retiree was left devastated after losing RM2.3 million to a bogus investment scheme that promised lucrative returns.

Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar said police received a report on the scam from the 62-year-old man on Thursday.

Retiree loses RM2.3 mil to share investment scam

Below is a summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Friday.

FBM KLCI up 0.14% to 1,512.15 on March 14, 2025

Chemlite Innovation Bhd’s initial public offering (IPO) was oversubscribed 28 times by retail investors ahead of its listing on the ACE Market.

Chemlite closes IPO applications with 28 times oversubscription

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigation papers on the alleged bribery and misappropriation of funds involving Sapura Energy Bhd.

Prawn farming company MAG Holdings Bhd (KL:MAG) has proposed to buy farmland and other assets in Tawau, Sabah for RM39.6 million, in related party transactions.

Prawn producer MAG announces RM40m purchase of farmland and assets in Tawau

KJTS Group Bhd (KL:KJTS) said it has partnered with an affiliate of New York-based investment firm Stonepeak Partners LP to develop, operate and invest in cooling assets.

KJTS to form JV with Stonepeak affiliate to develop cooling assets

China’s economy likely showed stability in the first two months of the year, despite US President Donald Trump returning to office and almost instantly starting a second trade war with Beijing.

China’s economy forecast to show resilience as trade war begins

Planning for the raw water distribution project from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah Dam, partly to support the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) project and to supply treated water to Penang, is now in the final stages.

PM: Planning for raw water distribution from Sg Perak to Bukit Merah Dam in final stages

US stocks rose on Friday after a broad selloff on Wall Street during the week as investors assessed the fallout of tariff policies on economic growth, while new data signalled deteriorating consumer sentiment and a surge in inflation expectations.

Top cocoa grower Ivory Coast’s upcoming mid-crop is expected to be smaller this year following unfavourable weather, threatening to limit a recovery from a huge global shortage.

Ivory Coast’s smaller cocoa crop risks keeping supply strained

BEIJING/WASHINGTON (March 14): The US State Department said it will install a senior diplomat to oversee its 1,300-strong embassy in Beijing and consulates in China while Washington's ambassadorial pick David Perdue awaits Senate confirmation.

Anny Vu, current political section chief at...

US to install Anny Vu as chargé to oversee embassy in China 

Danish pension fund AkademikerPension is blacklisting Tesla Inc, citing the company’s record on workers’ rights, as well as the growing risks posed by the actions of Elon Musk.

Stefanno Sulaiman & Gayatri Suroyo