<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>(Sept 21): The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Nasdaq Inc’s application to list options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, marking the clearing of an important hurdle before derivatives tied to the product can begin trading. &nbsp;</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>The contracts still need to be approved by the Options Clearing Corp and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission before trading can begin. Other exchanges have also filed applications to list options on the iShares fund and other spot-Bitcoin ETFs.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>“Getting the SEC to come around is a big step toward listing options, which can be a huge help for attracting more and larger investors as well as bringing in more liquidity around the ETFs,” said Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.</p></div><div class=inPageAd id=div-gpt-ad-inpage></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>The ETF, which trades under the ticker IBIT, is the largest exchange-traded fund that invests directly in Bitcoin. It’s gathered about US$22.7 billion (RM95.41 billion) in assets since it and competing products were approved by the SEC in January following a lengthy legal battle by Grayscale Investments, an issuer of crypto funds.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p><em>Uploaded by Chng Shear Lane</em></p></div>


The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Nasdaq Inc’s application to list options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, marking the clearing of an important hurdle before derivatives tied to the product can begin trading.

SEC approves Nasdaq to list options on iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF

SEOUL (Dec 16): South Korea’s Constitutional Court will begin on Monday reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his Dec 3 martial law attempt, said a court spokesperson, while investigators plan to question him this week, according to Yonhap news.

South Korea’s court begins review of Yoon’s impeachment

There are more gains to come in Grab Holdings Ltd’s stock after a 35% surge so far this quarter, according to some analysts.

The ride-hailing and delivery firm will boost its profit as it fends off competition and benefits from scale, according to Evercore ISI International Ltd, which recently raised the stock’s price target to US$8 (RM35.61) from US$7.

Grab’s big quarter has some analysts seeing further stock gains

TopVision Eye Specialist Bhd (KL:TOPVISN) shares staged a strong debut on the ACE Market as it looked to raise close to RM18 million from its initial public offering (IPO).

TopVision shares stage strong debut on ACE Market

LONDON (Dec 16): British manufacturers have reported the sharpest loss of confidence since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the face of higher costs including tax increases by the new government, a group representing the sector said on Monday.

UK factories take fright as budget adds to cost pressures, survey shows

Unwavering craftsmanship, visionary innovation and a commitment to excellence — these are the qualities that have solidified The Macallan as the preeminent name in the world of Scotch whisky. As the house celebrates its milestone 200 years, it proudly showcases its well-storied history and legacy as well as its intent to further elevate the world of luxury spirits with more exceptional releases.

A story worth telling

LONDON (Dec 15): Britain officially became the 12th member of a trans-Pacific trade pact which includes Japan, Australia and Canada on Sunday, as it seeks to deepen ties in the region and build its global trade links after leaving the European Union (EU).

Britain joins trans-Pacific pact in biggest post-Brexit trade deal

A bold new chapter for Carlsberg Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Malaysia’s economic reforms, notably the introduction of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023, and the successful implementation of electricity and diesel subsidy reforms.

IMF credits Malaysia’s economic reforms, calls for further action to strengthen resilience

Asian stocks are set to fall on Monday ahead of a swath of Chinese data and a vow from the nation’s regulators to stabilize markets. South Korean assets will be closely watched after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached. 

Australian shares slipped while futures in Hong Kong and mainland China pointed to losses while those in Japan gained.

Asian stocks set to fall ahead of China data dump

MORNING CALL: 16/12/24

<p>(Dec&nbsp;16) :&nbsp;Wall Street is starting to sour on the dollar as President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cuts will likely put pressure on the greenback in the latter portion of 2025.</p>


Dollar’s trump-fuelled gains face a reality check late next year

<p>(Dec&nbsp;16) :&nbsp;Australia’s markets watchdog sued HSBC Bank of Australia Ltd&nbsp;for failing to protect customers who lost millions of dollars in scams.&nbsp;</p>


HSBC sued by Australian regulator for scam loss failures

<p>KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Malaysia’s economic reforms, notably the introduction of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023, and the successful implementation of electricity and diesel subsidy reforms.&nbsp;</p>


<p>Asian stocks are set to fall on Monday ahead of a swath of Chinese data and a vow from the nation’s regulators to stabilize markets. South Korean assets will be closely watched after President Yoon Suk Yeol was&nbsp;impeached.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian shares slipped while futures in Hong Kong and mainland China pointed to losses while those in Japan gained.</p>


<p>(Dec&nbsp;16) : South Korea’s currency and its stock market will take centre stage on Monday, as investors respond to a weekend vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his attempt to impose martial law.</p>


Korean won, stocks take spotlight after impeachment vote

<p>TopVision Eye Specialist Bhd (KL:TOPVISN) shares staged a strong debut on the ACE Market as it looked to raise close to RM18 million from its initial public offering (IPO).</p>


<p>(Dec&nbsp;16) :&nbsp;What was supposed to be a comeback year for Boeing Co. has turned into its worst stock-market plunge since 2008, and if Wall Street is right, the plane-maker’s shares may have only a modest recovery in store in 2025.&nbsp;</p>


Boeing’s year of crisis leaves investors wary of beaten-up stock

<p>LONDON (Dec 15): Britain officially became the 12th member of a trans-Pacific trade pact which includes Japan, Australia and Canada on Sunday, as it seeks to deepen ties in the region and build its global trade links after leaving the European Union (EU).</p>


<p>LONDON (Dec 16): British manufacturers have reported the sharpest loss of confidence since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the face of higher costs including tax increases by the new government, a group representing the sector said on Monday.</p>


<p>Unwavering craftsmanship, visionary innovation and a commitment to excellence — these are the qualities that have solidified The Macallan as the preeminent name in the world of Scotch whisky. As the house celebrates its milestone 200 years, it proudly showcases its well-storied history and legacy as well as its intent to further elevate the world of luxury spirits with more exceptional releases.</p>


<p>The employment landscape in Malaysia has undergone a significant transformation. Companies are navigating a talent ecosystem that is influenced by digitalisation, flexible work arrangement (FWA) and a growing emphasis on the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda.</p>


TalentCorp champions diversity and sustainability as a beacon for Malaysia 

<p>（吉隆坡16日讯）明亮眼科专科中心（TopVision Eye Specialist Bhd）（KL:TOPVISN）通过首次公开募股（IPO）筹集接近1800万令吉后，今早在创业板强势登场。</p>


明亮眼科强势登场创业板

<p>In the pursuit of environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices, it is easy to overlook gaps that are worthwhile addressing in creating a foundation for sustainability that is ultimately rewarding for an organisation.</p>


In pursuit of ESG excellence through green practices and workplace wellness

<p>A student of mine recently approached me, overwhelmed by the weight of juggling her responsibilities. She spoke about the pressure to meet her parents’ expectations, excel in her studies, maintain friendships and prepare for the demands of an unforgiving workforce. Her story is not unique. Across classrooms and boardrooms, young people face mounting pressures, and mental health challenges have become alarmingly common. This is where the collective responsibility of educators, employers and parents comes into play. Supporting students’ mental health and resilience requires a holistic approach, with all parties working together to help young people navigate these challenges and build the mental strength to thrive.</p>
