Despite various extensions of rental relief, up to half of mall operators reported significant difficulties collecting rents from their tenants in the first half of 2021 (1H21), according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Pressure on office and retail rents to remain as vacancy rates rise — BNM

The impact on insurers’ and takaful operators’ earnings from premium deferrals as well as Covid-19 claims is expected to remain manageable, with insurers and takaful operators assessed to be resilient against stressed scenarios assuming higher claims than observed thus far, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Insurers’ and takaful operators’ capital adequacy ratio well above regulatory minimum — BNM

Last year, close to seven million individual medical reimbursement policies/certificates were written by life insurers and family takaful operators, accounting for 68% of total protection insurance and takaful claims.

How has Covid-19 impacted medical claims trend?

First-time buyers of affordable residential property continued to support house prices in Malaysia in the first half of 2021 (1H21) despite the housing market reversing improvements observed in 2H20 as the effects of the positive response to various homeownership incentives introduced by the government subsided.

First-time buyers continued to support house prices in 1H21 — BNM

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said banks in the country expect to continue bolstering loan-loss provisions in the second half of 2021 (2H21) given renewed stress faced by some borrowers.

BNM: Higher provisions seen in banks as borrowers face renewed stress

The application for the latest loan moratorium peaked in the first half of July, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Nevertheless, the weekly applications declined steeply thereafter.

Application for latest loan moratorium peaked in first half of July

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said that while recovery prospects for the Malaysian economy remain subjected to some degree of Covid-19 pandemic-driven uncertainty, the domestic financial system is expected to remain resilient against potential economic and financial shocks as banks and insurers continue to have sufficient financial buffers to absorb potential losses under severe macroeconomic and financial conditions while sustaining support for economic recovery.

BNM: Malaysia's financial system to remain resilient against economic, financial shocks

Malaysia’s banking system total deposit annual growth slowed to 3.9% in June 2021 from 6% in March 2021, but remained supported by precautionary savings by households and businesses, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said.

Banking system deposit growth slows; preference grows for liquid assets

The business sector could suffer a setback in its financial recovery from the reimposition of nationwide movement restrictions towards the end of the second quarter of 2021 (2Q21).

Renewed pressure on business sector’s debt-servicing capacity seen

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia saw their portion of bank loans under repayment assistance spike to 21.6% in June 2021 from below 8% in September 2020, according to Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Financial Stability Review report for the first half of 2021 (1H21).

One-fifth of SME loans underwent repayment assistance — BNM report

Malaysia’s overall household debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio improved to 89.6% at end-June 2021 from 93.2% at end-December last year, but remained elevated amid the sluggish recovery in nominal GDP, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Malaysia’s household debt-to-GDP ratio improves to 89.6% at end-June

NEWS: Sime Darby unveils brand refresh

Olaf Scholz, Germany's least popular chancellor on record, is facing growing calls within his Social Democrats (SPD) to step aside and let his Defence Minister Boris Pistorius instead lead the centre-left party into next year's federal election.

Germany's Scholz faces calls in his party for him not to seek re-election

A pullback in the S&P 500 that’s already trimmed about a third off the index’s post-election rally is set to continue on Friday, as sticky inflation and hawkish comments from the Federal Reserve weigh on sentiment.

US stocks have already returned a third of post-election gains

Most read this week - Stay up to date with the biggest news and latest trending topics by checking out the top 10 articles of the week.

Most read this week

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is planning to stop in Hawaii and maybe Guam on a visit to Taipei's diplomatic allies in the Pacific in the coming weeks, sources told Reuters, a sensitive trip coming shortly after the US election.

Taiwan president plans Hawaii visit on sensitive trip to Pacific — Reuters

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

FBM KLCI down 0.51% to 1,592.44 on Nov 15, 2024

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's leftist coalition won a thumping victory in a snap general election, gaining power to push through his plans to fight poverty and graft in the island nation recovering from a financial meltdown.

Sri Lankan president's coalition sweeps general election

The government remains firm in its stance to implement a regulatory or licensing framework for social media and internet messaging services on Jan 1 next year, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi: Govt sticks to Jan 1, 2025 deadline for social media licensing

Pipe-and-valve maker Pantech Group Holdings Bhd (KL:PANTECH) said it has obtained approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) to list two wholly owned subsidiaries on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia via a special purpose vehicle.

Pantech Group gets SC's nod for listing of its subsidiaries under Pantech Global

Britain's economy contracted unexpectedly in September and growth slowed to a crawl over the third quarter, data showed on Friday, an early setback for finance minister Rachel Reeves' ambitions to kick-start a sustained pickup.

UK economy contracts in September in blow to Reeves' growth push

WASHINGTON (Nov 14): No major US trading partner manipulated its currency in the year to June 30, the Treasury Department said on Thursday in the Biden administration's final semi-annual currency report before turning over policing of foreign exchange practices to President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump.

US Treasury finds no currency manipulation by major trading partners, drops Malaysia off its monitoring list

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): A consortium led by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Employees Provident Fund on Friday made a formal takeover offer for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (KL:AIRPORT) at RM11 per share, after securing relevant regulatory approvals.&nbsp;

Khazanah-EPF consortium launches formal offer for MAHB after receiving nod from regulators

Most read this week - Stay up to date with the biggest news and latest trending topics by checking out the top 10 articles of the week. 

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Fertiliser manufacturer Cropmate Bhd has unveiled the prospectus for its ACE Market initial public offering (IPO) to raise up to RM52 million, as part of its plan to purchase new factories and expand operations.&nbsp;

Fertiliser firm Cropmate unveils prospectus for RM52 mil IPO, priced at 20 sen apiece

The proposed merger between Bumi Armada Bhd (KL:ARMADA) and MISC Bhd’s (KL:MISC) offshore businesses is expected to result in MISC holding a 68% majority stake in the new entity, with a combined valuation of RM14.6 billion, according to CIMB Securities.

MISC likely to hold 68% stake in Bumi Armada merger, with RM14.6b combined valuation

MR DIY Group (M) Bhd’s (KL:MRDIY) shares fell to their lowest in three months on Friday amid weaker-than-expected third-quarter earnings, prompting analysts to cut their earnings forecasts due to weak consumer sentiment and lower spending power.

MR DIY shares fall to three-month low as quarterly results miss expectations

Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA), and Taylor's Education Group have collaborated to establish affordable international schools within Gamuda Land's townships.

Gamuda Land partners with Taylor's Education Group to bring affordable private education to its townships

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Shares of Metro Healthcare Bhd (KL:METRO) edged higher on Friday in its trading debut on the ACE Market, after the fertility and maternity specialist raised RM39.16 million from its initial public offering (IPO).

Metro Healthcare ekes out tiny gain on ACE Market debut after RM39 mil IPO

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Malaysia’s economic growth decelerated in the third quarter as expected though the pace remained brisk, thanks to resilient investments, higher exports and expansion in household spending.

Malaysia’s economy expands a tad slower in 3Q, still on track with 2024 forecast

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Malaysia’s central bank on Friday liberalised foreign exchange rules to make it easier for international financial institutions to issue ringgit-denominated bonds and sukuk in the country.

Malaysia eases FX rules to allow foreign financial institutions to sell ringgit bonds

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government faces criticism after it awarded a tender to build the country’s second 5G network to one of the smallest players in the telecommunications industry.

Anwar faces scrutiny over 5G tender pick

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Shares of Berjaya Food Bhd (KL:BJFOOD) extended decline to their lowest in six weeks on Thursday, after the café-and-restaurant operator reported its fourth consecutive quarter of losses.

Berjaya Food shares extend decline to six-week low after another quarterly losses

While trade tensions between the US and China are bringing more investments to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, worries over slower global growth and higher costs loom, according to Malaysia’s trade and investment chief.

Zafrul flags longer term pain from US-China rift

Earlier this week on Monday (Nov 11), the High Court formally dismissed the civil forfeiture of shares in Bright Packaging Industry Bhd owned by businessman Datuk Ricky Wong Shee Kai, his lawyers said.

High Court dismisses civil forfeiture of over 5 mil shares owned by Ricky Wong 

Thailand is aiming to legalise casinos next year to draw foreign investments and collect more taxes, a potential win for global operators who have for long canvassing for the legislation to benefit from the country’s status as a tourism hot spot.

Thailand aims to legalise casinos next year in win for global players

SHAH ALAM (Nov 15): S P Setia Bhd (KL:SPSETIA) is launching semi-detached homes, named Ambrosia II, in its ongoing Setia Bayuemas township development at Klang, Selangor, this weekend. The new phase has a gross development value (GDV) of RM69.39 million.

S P Setia to launch RM69.39m semidees in Setia Bayuemas, Klang this weekend

Vietnam President Luong Cuong forcefully warned of the dangers of a world with higher tariffs, one of the strongest criticisms so far of US President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to trade as world leaders gather this week in Peru.

Vietnam leader warns trade wars lead to poverty in dig at Trump

President-elect Donald Trump ruled out giving a post to JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co’s Jamie Dimon in his second-term administration in a jab at the prominent Wall Street chief executive officer.

Trump says no Dimon in administration, picks Kennedy for cabinet

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): A local egg importer company’s libel suit against former minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has been dismissed.&nbsp;

Egg importer’s suit against Azmin Ali dismissed

Lim Guan Eng’s undersea tunnel graft trial scheduled on Friday has been postponed as key witness Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli was down with fever and placed on medical leave.

BNM Financial Stability Review 1H2021

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BNM Financial Stability Review 1H2021

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