China indicated that sanctions on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wouldn’t impact official exchanges, in a sign that Beijing seeks to negotiate with the Trump administration over trade and other disputes.

China signals willingness to speak with sanctioned Marco Rubio

After bracing for a torrent of tariffs by Donald Trump from his first day in office, investors in Chinese assets are breathing a sigh of relief — at least for now. 

Chinese stocks advanced as the US president fell short of announcing immediate action against the Asian rival, even as he threatened tariffs of as much as 25% on Mexico and Canada by Feb 1. Trump declined to say when he would impose additional levies on China.

Chinese stocks rise as Trump holds off on day-one tariffs

Country Garden Holdings Co’s shares jumped as they resumed trading in Hong Kong Tuesday following a nine-month suspension, after the Chinese property giant pledged to clinch a deal with creditors on a debt restructuring plan.

Country Garden shares jump as trading resumes amid debt plan 

Taiwan's premier said on Monday the government faced a crisis in day-to-day operations, including national security, because of large cuts to this year's budget proposed by opposition parties, who have cited a need to cut waste.

Although Lai Ching-te won the presidential election last year, his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost its majority in parliament, giving the opposition the most seats and legislative control that includes spending proposals.

Taiwan's Lai says opposition's budget cuts would cripple key govt functions

China’s deflationary pressures were most severe in its industrial sector for a second straight year, in a sign of a deep imbalance between supply and demand that’s driving prices lower across the economy and inflaming trade tensions.

China’s worst deflation was in industry as supply glut persisted

Youth joblessness in Chinese cities fell for a fourth straight month in December, official data showed on Monday.

The urban jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds, excluding students, declined to 15.7% from 16.1% in November, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

China urban youth jobless rate down at 15.7% in December

With Donald Trump about to start a second term in the White House, investors around the globe are bracing for big changes in trade policies. One sector they are zeroing in on is China tech, and the sentiment is: wait and see.

Chinese tech stock hedges cheapen before Trump’s return

Chinese officials are taking steps to stabilise operations at China Vanke Co after deepening liquidity stress and questions surrounding the whereabouts of its top executive triggered turmoil for its bonds and shares last week, according to people familiar with the matter.

China steps up Vanke intervention as developer woes deepen

Zou Lan, head of the monetary policy department at the People's Bank of China (PBOC), will be promoted to deputy governor of the central bank, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

China to name Zou Lan as central bank deputy governor — Reuters

Chinese builder Country Garden Holdings Co said it expects to reach an agreement with creditors on its debt plan by the end of February, as a Hong Kong court delayed a hearing on a liquidation petition, giving it more time to work on the proposal.

Country Garden expects deal with creditors by end-February

China left benchmark lending rates unchanged for a third consecutive month, as expected, as a weakening yuan has limited Beijing's monetary policy easing efforts.

China leaves benchmark lending rates unchanged

China is facing a repeat of the tensions and uncertainty from the first presidency of Donald Trump, only with a weaker economy that’s even more reliant on exports than it was during the first trade war with the US.

China faces Trump’s return just as reliance on exports soars

Chinese stocks had their best week in more than three months as sentiment improved following signs of easing external tensions and a recovery in domestic demand.

Chinese stocks in Hong Kong cap best week in three months

China’s decline in home prices abated for a fourth month in December, reflecting signs of market stabilisation after the government’s latest stimulus blitz.

China's home prices fall at slower pace as stimulus takes hold

For all the hand-wringing about the potential fallout of Donald Trump’s expansive, pro-growth policy agenda, the US Treasury market has gotten off to a smooth start.

In Trump’s first full trading day back in the White House, government bonds rallied, pushing down yields to their lows of the year, while stocks rose and the dollar regained its footing.

On day one, Trump appeases bond traders and pushes down rates

Asian futures broadly pointed to gains after US stocks climbed as President Donald Trump struck a better-than-feared tone on global trade and speculation grew that his policies will further boost Corporate America. 

Shares in Tokyo and Sydney were poised to climb, although Hong Kong stocks looked set to decline.

Asia stocks set to gain as Trump tariff fears ebb

One trading day into Donald Trump’s second term and it’s clear the stock market has a new driver, at least for now. Share prices rallied Tuesday, with gains largely generated by one thing the president didn’t do: enact sweeping tariffs on major trading partners.

The unexpected lack of action — Trump had long promised levies of as much as 60% on Chinese goods and almost half that on Mexican and Canadian products on Day 1 — sent Treasury yields tumbling while the S&P 500 Index climbed 0.9%

Stocks rally on tariff delay in market mesmerized by Trump

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on the US to reconsider President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the agency, suggesting the move could undermine global health security.
 
The planned departure would leave the WHO scrambling to replace its top donor, which contributed US$1.3 billion (RM5.84 billion) to the organisation between 2022 and 2023. Without US funding, work that the WHO carries out on containing diseases such as HIV, polio and Ebola as well as a recent outbreak of lethal Marburg virus could be at risk.

WHO urges Trump to reconsider US exit

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is one of a kind and a phenomenal move between Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised on Tuesday.

“There is an element of trust in working together on a joint programme that will benefit one another.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zon is one of a kind, phenomenal — Anwar

China is ready to collaborate with Malaysia to promote East Asian cooperation and regional economic integration during Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship 2025, China’s Consul-General in Penang, Zhou Youbin, said. 

He stated that China is also willing to work with Malaysia to maintain the trend of regional development cooperation and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

China to work with Malaysia, promote East Asian cooperation and regional economic integration

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the provision of free toll during festive seasons does not solve traffic congestion on toll highways.

He said it was important for road users to change their behaviour and plan their trips when the festive season arrives.

Free toll during festive seasons does not solve traffic congestion on highways — Ahmad Zahid

The Sukhoi Su-30MKM Service Life Extension Programme (Slep) by local company, Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC) will ensure the aircraft will operate well and be used for another decade.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said ATSC has conducted Service Life Extension and Preventive Restoration Works/Overhaul to ensure that aircraft could operate longer and would ensure that Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft were at optimum levels and reduce expenditure compared to sending the aircraft to Russia.

Service life extension programme ensures Sukhois will fly for next decade

Sabah PKR is confident that the issue regarding the position of the Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman will not affect the coalition's unity and cooperation in facing the next state election. 

Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the issue is technical in nature and the decision on the position should be determined by the PH Presidential Council, the coalition's highest committee comprising PKR, DAP, Amanah and the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (Upko).

Sabah PKR confident state PH chairman issue will not affect coalition unity

The European Union (EU) is working on a proposal for bloc-wide purchase incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) to support the bloc’s struggling automakers, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos one day after US President Donald Trump took office, Scholz said Europe’s response to a growing number of global challenges must be an economically stronger Europe with more competitive industry and less bureaucracy.

Scholz says EU is preparing bloc-wide incentive plan for EVs

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday

MRCB, MNRB, CIMB, Pansar, Yinson, Mah Sing, YNH, Sunway REIT, Alpha IVF, KIP REIT, UOA REIT, Taghill, KTI Landmark 

Data centre-related stocks and proxies to artificial intelligence (AI) on Bursa Malaysia rebounded on Tuesday, driven by expectations of gradual approach to tariff policies by the new Donald Trump’s US administration.&nbsp;

Trump's future policies are expected to be less aggressive compared to his previous term, with the possibility of reversing some of the restrictions imposed by Joe Biden, said Rakuten Trade head of research Kenny Yee.

Data centre-linked stocks, AI proxies rebound amid expectations of Trump’s gradual tariff implementation 

Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Oil and gas services firm Keyfield International Bhd (KL:KEYFIELD) has completed its first solar photovoltaic (PV) system onboard its largest vessel, Keyfield Wisdom.&nbsp;

The project, which integrates a 121.2kWp solar hybrid system with battery energy storage (BESS), reduces the vessel’s reliance on onboard generator sets, thereby reducing its fuel consumption and cutting carbon emissions, Keyfield said in a statement on Tuesday.

Keyfield completes installation of Malaysia’s largest solar PV system on offshore vessel

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held high-level meetings with business leaders from six multinational companies (MNCs) including AstraZeneca, Fortescue, DP World, Medtronics, Nestle and Google.

Arranged by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), the one-on-one meetings took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025 at the Mountain Plaza Hotel, here, where Anwar, who is also the finance minister, led the Malaysian delegation.

Anwar meets six MNCs including Google, Nestle on the sidelines of WEF 2025

Taghill Holdings Bhd’s (KL:TAGHILL) said it has secured a RM58 million contract for construction work on an 18-storey commercial complex in Ipoh.

Taghill bags RM58 mil commercial complex construction job

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained five individuals believed to have been involved in accepting bribes as inducement to assist in processing personal loan applications submitted by a financial&nbsp;consulting&nbsp;company.

MACC detains five bank officers for corrupt practices in loan processing

UOA Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:UOAREIT) posted a 8.55% increase in net rental income for the fourth quarter on improved occupancy.

Net rental income rose to RM20.36 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (4QFY2024), from RM18.76 million in the same period a year earlier, according to the office and commercial property trust’s bourse filing. &nbsp;

UOA REIT's 4Q rental income rises 8.5% on improved occupancy, declares 3.24 sen DPU

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is one of a kind and a phenomenal move between Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised on Tuesday.

“There is an element of trust in working together on a joint programme that will benefit one another.

The police have confirmed receiving a notification&nbsp;regarding a planned rally at a shopping complex in the capital, scheduled for Saturday.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said that a review by his team found that the notice was incomplete, because it lacked a copy of the consent from the owner of the rally venue.

Cops advise against attending rally on Saturday that lacks venue owner's consent

EFishery Pte, one of Indonesia’s most prominent startups, may have inflated its revenue and profit over several years, according to an internal investigation triggered by a whistleblower’s claim about the company’s accounting.

SoftBank-backed fish startup allegedly faked most of its sales

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said China will import more products, hours after US President Donald Trump left the economy out of countries he’s looking to hit with tariffs imminently.

China vice premier vows to import more after dodging US tariffs

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on the US to reconsider President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the agency, suggesting the move could undermine global health security. 
&nbsp; 
The planned departure would leave the WHO scrambling to replace its top donor, which contributed US$1.3 billion (RM5.84 billion) to the organisation between 2022 and 2023. Without US funding, work that the WHO carries out on containing diseases such as HIV, polio and Ebola as well as a recent outbreak of lethal Marburg virus could be at risk.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has ample candidates to fill the vacancy of chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Sports Institute (NSI) to replace Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli who will end his service on Feb 24.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that currently her department has received more than 19 applications for the position from government servants and the private sector.

More than 19 candidates vying for National Sports Institute CEO's post — Hannah

China is still driving growth in global oil demand, the head of Saudi Aramco said, dismissing concerns about peaking consumption in the world’s biggest energy user.&nbsp;

Aramco CEO sees ‘good’ China oil demand driving growth

(Jan 21):&nbsp;Booming credit markets are throwing private equity firms a lifeline as they strive to return cash to investors: Instead of relying on the IPO market, they can pile portfolio companies with more debt and give themselves a payout.

Dividend recapitalizations, where a firm bo...

Private equity has a plan if IPOs, sales don't work: More debt

(Jan 21): Apple Inc&nbsp;has received a fresh pair of analyst downgrades, in the latest sign that soft iPhone sales are becoming an increasing concern for investors, as artificial intelligence fails to act as a hoped-for growth catalyst.

Shares fell 2% in premarket trading on Tuesday, e...

Apple’s tough January worsens as analysts cut on iPhone weakness

Goldman Sachs Group Inc is preparing to promote a slate of star executives to run its biggest Wall Street business lines, spotlighting the firm’s next generation of leadership.

Goldman picks leaders to run Wall Street engines in major revamp

Asian futures broadly pointed to gains after US stocks climbed as President Donald Trump struck a better-than-feared tone on global trade and speculation grew that his policies will further boost Corporate America.&nbsp;

Shares in Tokyo and Sydney were poised to climb, although Hong Kong stocks looked set to decline.

Treasuries rallied as fears that Donald Trump’s policies will fuel inflation eased, after the US president refrained from imposing China-specific tariffs for now.

The 10-year US yield fell as much as 10 basis points to 4.53% on Tuesday, as the market reopened after a US holiday. Meanwhile, the dollar rallied as Trump said he still plans to impose&nbsp;25% tariffs&nbsp;on Mexico and Canada from next month, which sent currencies from both countries tumbling over 1%.

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