Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) expects inflation to rise in 2025, driven by domestic policy reforms such as RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation and an expanded sales and service tax (SST) scope.

HLIB sees higher inflation in 2025 on RON95 subsidy rationalisation, expanded SST scope

With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to safeguard its foreign policy and economic priorities amid evolving global dynamics.

Malaysia to adapt to Trump era, says Anwar

Among the key agenda when Malaysia takes over the chairmanship of Asean next year are the Asean Energy Grid and digitalisation initiatives, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Asean Power Grid, digitalisation among key agenda as Malaysia assumes Asean chairmanship in 2025 — PM

In a Vanity Fair video last month, Lisa, a member of mega K-pop band Blackpink, shared her obsession with toys from Chinese company Pop Mart International Group Ltd.

China's hottest stock Pop Mart rockets 370% on craze for collectibles

Japan's minority ruling coalition on Friday failed to secure support from a key opposition party for its tax reform plans, jeopardising Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's budget agenda for next year.

Japan's ruling camp fails to secure opposition support for tax reforms

Slowing inflation has created room for Singapore's central bank to ease monetary policy in January but it may wait until later in 2025 so it can assess incoming US President Donald Trump's policies, analysts said ahead of key data next week.

Singapore's low inflation not enough for a January easing, analysts say

Britain ran a smaller-than-expected budget deficit last month as a past lull in inflation pushed down interest paid on government bonds, giving a small boost to finance minister Rachel Reeves who has been under pressure following her budget announcement.

UK borrows less than expected in November but Reeves still under pressure 

Malaysia's international reserves dipped to US$118.1 billion as at Dec 13 this year, from US$118.3 billion two weeks earlier on Nov 29.

BNM's international reserves ease to US$118.1b as at Dec 13

MANILA (Dec 20): The Philippine central bank is open to cutting rates at its first policy meeting in 2025, and is monitoring global policy and geopolitical developments that could stoke inflation, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Eli Remolona said on Friday.

Philippine cenbank governor says open to rate cut in early 2025

China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged as expected at the monthly fixing on Friday.

China leaves rates unchanged, weak yuan limits easing

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 20): Malaysia’s inflation rate dipped to 1.8% in November this year, compared to 1.9% in October, marking the first decline since August 2021, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Friday.

Inflation eases to 1.8% in November from 1.9% in October, driven by lower tech and clothing costs

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 20): Analysts cut Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd’s (KL:AEONCR) earnings projections due to elevated credit costs.

Analysts cut Aeon Credit’s earnings, TPs, on higher credit costs

China’s short-term bond yields slumped further to reach the psychological milestone of 1% for the first time since the global financial crisis, as traders ramped up bets on monetary easing.

China one-year yield sinks to 1% for first time since 2009

BlackRock Inc said it’s writing down the value of one of its flagship renewable funds after two key investments for the vehicle collapsed, and it’s enlisting executives from its recently acquired Global Infrastructure Partners business to help turn around performance.

BlackRock writes down flagship renewable fund, overhauls leaders

(Dec 21): A Starbucks Corp strike of unionised baristas has spread to three more cities in the US, disrupting service during the final days of the crucial holiday season.

Starbucks baristas from three more US cities to join strike

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 22): The Health Ministry (MOH) does not take lightly the resignation of more than 6,000 doctors over the past five years.

MOH does not take lightly resignation of over 6,000 doctors over past five years — Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 21): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting on Saturday with local and foreign media practitioners to convey the latest developments about the country's direction related to government policies, as well as various current and future issues in Malaysia.

PM conveys country’s development, direction, policies, current and future issues to media practitioners

KUCHING (Dec 21): A supply interruption caused by generator trip at the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) on Saturday afternoon has been fully restored to affected consumers in certain parts of Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

Sarawak Energy: Partial power outage fully restored

(Dec 21): The Biden administration is mulling exempting Mexico from tariffs on imported solar equipment, a last-minute change that would primarily benefit Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd.

Biden mulls tariff break for solar modules from Mexico

Among all precious gems, diamonds are one of the most sought after and prominent — for good reason. It is their rarity, durability and beauty that inspire the managing director of jewellery company Tomei, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, to keep them as the focus of his star label, Le Lumiere. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, he has witnessed his fair share of industry evolutions. As technology progresses and diamond reserves begin to run dry, a new competitor — lab-grown stones — has entered the market. What does this mean for the stability of the natural gemstone trade, and what can consumers expect to see in the coming year? Ng gives us his thoughts.

Light fantastic

Lion Group’s property division, Lion Group Property, is looking to expand its industrial park portfolio, says the conglomerate’s executive chairman Tan Sri William Cheng.

Moving further into industrial parks

Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has confirmed that a video alleging the allocation of durian plantation land in Pahang to retired soldiers is fake.

Video alleging durian land allocation is actually Skim Tanah Rakyat land rights handover, says Pahang MP's rep

The launch of a new direct route from Chennai to Penang, via IndiGo, commencing on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity, generating economic opportunities, and solidifying Penang’s position as a regional air travel hub.

Direct route from Chennai elevates Penang as key regional air travel hub, says exco

The world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, Tether Holdings Ltd, is on track to close the year with more than US$10 billion (RM45.07 billion) in net profits, chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said in an interview.

World’s largest stablecoin issuer Tether sees US$10b in net profits for 2024

Lion Group’s property division, Lion Group Property, is looking to expand its industrial park portfolio, says the conglomerate’s executive chairman Tan Sri William Cheng.

Among all precious gems, diamonds are one of the most sought after and prominent —&nbsp;for good reason. It is their rarity, durability and beauty that inspire&nbsp;the managing director of jewellery company Tomei, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, to keep them as the focus of his star label, Le Lumiere. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, he has witnessed his fair share of industry evolutions. As technology progresses and diamond reserves begin to run dry, a new competitor — lab-grown stones — has entered the market. What does this mean for the stability of the natural gemstone trade, and what can consumers expect to see in the coming year? Ng gives us his thoughts.

(Dec 21):&nbsp;The Biden administration is mulling exempting Mexico from tariffs on imported solar equipment, a last-minute change that would primarily benefit Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd.&nbsp;

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 21): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting on Saturday with local and foreign media practitioners to convey the latest developments about the country's direction related to government policies, as well as various current and future issues in Malaysia.&nbsp;

KUCHING (Dec 21): A supply interruption caused by generator trip at the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) on Saturday afternoon has been fully restored to affected consumers in certain parts of Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 22): The Health Ministry (MOH) does not take lightly the resignation of more than 6,000 doctors over the past five years.

(Dec 21):&nbsp;A Starbucks Corp&nbsp;strike of unionised baristas has spread to three more cities in the US, disrupting service during the final days of the crucial holiday season.

Focus

‌
‌

Focus

‌‌

‌
‌