<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>(Dec 6): A powerful rally in US stocks as well as cryptocurrencies has left the asset classes looking frothy, according to Bank of America Corp’s Michael Hartnett.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>The S&amp;P 500’s price-to-book ratio has surged to 5.3 times in 2024, approaching a peak of 5.5 hit in March 2000 during the height of the technology bubble, according to data compiled by <i>Bloomberg</i>.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>BofA’s Hartnett said there’s a high risk of “overshoot” in early 2025 if the S&amp;P 500 nears 6,666 points — about 10% above current levels. The bank’s bull-and-bear indicator shows no sign yet of exuberance among global investors.</p></div><div class=inPageAd id=div-gpt-ad-inpage></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>The strategist took a more neutral tone on equities this year after remaining bearish in 2023.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>The S&amp;P 500 has surged about 27% in 2024 and is tracking its best year since 2019 on optimism around artificial intelligence and wagers that President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” policies would boost domestic markets. His support for crypto also helped bitcoin briefly rally past US$100,000 (RM441,600) this week.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>Hartnett said that with a market capitalisation of over US$2 trillion, bitcoin was comparable to the 11th largest economy in the world.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p><i>Uploaded by Magessan Varatharaja</i></p></div>


A powerful rally in US stocks as well as cryptocurrencies has left the asset classes looking frothy, according to Bank of America Corp’s Michael Hartnett.

BofA’s Hartnett warns froth is building in US stocks, crypto 

SEOUL (Dec 16): South Korean shares climbed on Monday to their highest level in more than two weeks, after parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over the short-lived martial law.

South Korean shares at more than two-week high after president impeached

The absence of 122 out of the 222 members of parliament (MPs) of the Dewan Rakyat during the vote for the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 last Monday marks a serious lapse in parliament’s function as a pillar of democratic governance. This is especially disturbing because the ...

Frankly Speaking: Balance regulation and freedom for media to thrive

YTL Power International Bhd's (KL:YTLPOWR) data centres are well on track, with the second phase of 8MW under Johor Data Centre 1 (JDC1) expected to come online by end-2024, according to MIDF Research.

MIDF Research: YTL Power on track to deliver data centres, with second 8MW under Johor Data Centre 1 to come online by year end

TOKYO/SINGAPORE (Dec 16): Bitcoin surged to a record high above US$106,000 (RM471,944) in early Asian trade on Monday, boosted by comments from President-elect Donald Trump that suggested he plans to create a US bitcoin strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve.

Bitcoin surges above US$106,000 on strategic reserve hopes

The key macroeconomic focus at home this week is the November trade and inflation data, expected to be released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Dec 18 and 20 respectively. Bank Negara Malaysia is also due to release its latest foreign reserves data on Dec 20.

Internationally...

The Week Ahead: Eyes on November inflation, interest rate decisions in the US, the UK and Japan

TOKYO (Dec 16): Japan’s factory activity shrank for the sixth straight month on lacklustre demand, while the service sector extended gains in December, business surveys showed on Monday, highlighting the economy’s increasing reliance on services.

Japan’s factory activity softens for sixth straight month, PMI shows

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

<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>


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

<p>(Dec&nbsp;16):&nbsp;Asian stocks are set to fall on Monday, ahead of a swath of Chinese data and a vow from the nation’s regulators to stabilise markets. South Korean assets will be closely watched after President Yoon Suk Yeol was&nbsp;impeached.&nbsp;</p>


Asian stocks set to fall ahead of China data dump

<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) : 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>(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>There are more gains to come in Grab Holdings Ltd’s stock after a 35% surge so far this quarter, according to some analysts.</p>

<p>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.</p>


<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>


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

<p>YTL Power International Bhd's (KL:YTLPOWR) data centres are well on track, with the second phase of 8MW under Johor Data Centre 1 (JDC1) expected to come online by end-2024, according to MIDF Research.</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>TOKYO/SINGAPORE (Dec 16): Bitcoin&nbsp;surged to a record high above US$106,000 (RM471,944) in early Asian trade on Monday, boosted by comments from President-elect Donald Trump that suggested he plans to create a US&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve.</p>


<p>TOKYO (Dec 16): Japan’s factory activity shrank for the sixth straight month on lacklustre demand, while the service sector extended gains in December, business surveys showed on Monday, highlighting the economy’s increasing reliance on services.</p>


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


<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>The key macroeconomic focus at home this week is the November trade and inflation data, expected to be released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Dec 18 and 20 respectively. Bank Negara Malaysia is also due to release its latest foreign reserves data on Dec 20.</p>

<p>Internationally...

<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>


A story worth telling

<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>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>
