France’s new premier Francois Bayrou vowed to sharply narrow the nation’s deficit to close to 5% of GDP, a plan that threatens a repeat of the stand-off which toppled the last government.

French premier seeking budget cuts that toppled the previous cabinet

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, state media says

Social media platform TikTok recorded 2,606 requests from the Malaysian government to remove or restrict content on its platform in 1H2024, the highest among all governments in the period, according to its latest report on government removal requests.

Malaysia tops TikTok content, account removal requests in 1H2024 among govts

Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) on Tuesday affirmed Malaysia's public information sovereign rating at AAA with a "stable" outlook.

However, MARC flagged challenges from a high fiscal deficit and debt levels, as well as the tax revenue-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 12.6% in 2023, which remains below the peer average despite recovering to pre-pandemic levels.

MARC flags Malaysia's debt position as it keeps AAA, stable rating

European natural gas prices fluctuated above €45 (RM210.32) a megawatt-hour amid persistent supply concerns, with just a week left until a key transit deal between Russia and Ukraine expires.

European gas swings with one week left before key transit deal expires

During their inaugural meeting on Monday, Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic committed to exploring collaboration and exchanging information on the latest advancements in agriculture.

Malaysia, Kyrgyz Republic set to explore agriculture collaboration

Major banks and business groups sued the Federal Reserve on Tuesday, alleging the US central bank's annual "stress tests" of Wall Street firms violate the law.

Big banks, business groups sue US Fed over annual stress tests 

Any attempts to sow division or actions that trigger racial discord must be avoided, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, in conjunction with Christmas, which will be celebrated by Christians on Wednesday, Anwar emphasised that all Malaysians need each other and complement one another, particularly in efforts to build a successful and distinguished national identity.

Any attempts to incite racial discord must be avoided — PM

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has initiated a comprehensive investigation and safety audit on the vehicle companies involved in the fatal accident at KM204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound in Melaka on Monday night.

JPJ launches investigation, safety audit over KM204 fatal crash

The Madani government will continue to fully support efforts to safeguard the safety and well-being of children and will not tolerate any crimes that threaten their future, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Madani govt stays committed to protecting child safety — Fahmi

Despite the popularity of online shopping platforms, malls were nevertheless crowded with locals and foreigners alike making last-minute preparations for Christmas on Wednesday.

Malls overflowing as shoppers grab last-minute deals for Christmas 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to the families of the victims of a five-vehicle crash at KM204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) in Melaka on Monday night.

Anwar extends condolences to families of KM204 crash victims

Indonesia’s anti-graft agency has identified a close aide of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri as a suspect in a bribery case.

Indonesia probes ex-leader Megawati’s aide for graft

Greece's former royal family has been granted Greek citizenship and pledged loyalty to the republic in a landmark move 50 years after the country abolished the monarchy.

Ten members of the family, including the children and grandchildren of former King Constantine who died in 2023, applied for citizenship last week.

Funeral of former King of Greece Constantine II

Salesforce Inc says it’s taking multiple large customers from former partner Veeva Systems Inc in a mounting rivalry to sell software to the pharmaceutical industry.

Salesforce fights with Veeva by snagging drug customers

Wall Street's main indexes rose on Tuesday in a truncated trading session before Christmas, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq up for the third consecutive day, helped by gains in a handful of megacap and growth stocks.

Wall Street rises in quiet Christmas Eve trading session

American Airlines Group Inc said a technical vendor glitch was the cause of a brief groundstop on all US flights on Christmas Eve, one of the busiest days of the holiday travel season.

American Air says Christmas Eve delays caused by tech glitch

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday:

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd's (KL:BHIC) shareholders have approved the disposal of the fabrication and engineering company’s 51% equity stake i...

BHIC, Pharmaniaga, MMAG, Prolintas, Nestcon, Datasonic, PUC, KKB Engineering, Parlo 

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (OCBC Bank) has been named Malaysia’s “Bank of the Year” by London-based publication The Banker for the second consecutive year.

OCBC Bank named top Malaysian bank for second year running

The government has removed the 85% demand capacity cap for non-domestic users under its self-consumption (SelCo) programme, and to allow the installation of solar panels on the ground and over bodies of water.

Quota abolished for solar panel installation under self-consumption mechanism — energy ministry

FBM KLCI’s upside in 2025 could be limited by a slowdown in foreign inflow and the strengthening US dollar, Phillip Capital warned and recommended that investors look at small- to mid-cap stocks.

Phillip Capital says KLCI has limited upside in 2025, recommends small-mid cap stocks

KKB Engineering Bhd (KL:KKB) has initiated adjudication proceedings under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act against a contractor over outstanding claims amounting to RM10.1 million.

KKB Engineering sues glove factory project contractor over unpaid claims

Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) remains optimistic about the outlook for Malaysia's economy and the local bourse next year, underpinned, among others, by clear economic policies and steady inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs).

PNB remains optimistic about Malaysian economy, KLCI next year

<h3>Banks</h3>

Overweight (maintain)

RHB RESEARCH (DEC 10): We think market volatility will likely persist amid uncertainties with respect to US policies and the US federal funds...

Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Banks, Inari Amertron Bhd, SkyWorld Development Bhd, Dialog Group Bhd

IN a bid to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy (RE) and ahead of the upcoming fifth large-scale solar (LSS5) programme, the government has opened up the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to third parties, under concession agreements, according to documents sighted by ...

BESS programme: A game changer for the Malaysian energy landscape?

Prolintas Infra Business Trust (KL:PLINTAS) said it has settled its dispute with KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway Bhd (Latar) over a cost-sharing agreement, for an undisclosed amount.

Prolintas settles cost-sharing agreement dispute with Latar for undisclosed sum

<h2>Notable filings</h2>

Over the week of Dec 2 to 6, among the notable changes in shareholding for companies listed on Bursa Malaysia were those at auto parts manufacturer and distributor EP Manufacturing Bhd (KL:EPMB).

Bermaz Capital Sdn Bhd (formerly Bermaz Anshin...

Insider Moves: EP Manufacturing Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Bhd, Aurelius Technologies Bhd, Central Global Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd 

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (KL:BHIC) shareholders have given the nod for the fabrication and engineering company to dispose of its 51% equity stake in Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd (CAD) to German defence firm Rheinmetall AG for RM54 million.

BHIC shareholders approve RM54m sale of 51% stake in LCS subcontractor

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EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

MMAG Holdings Bhd (KL:MMAG), which is involved in the sales of digital devices and logistic services, said on Tuesday it has acquired a Boeing B737-400SF aircraft from Japan-based JPA No 161 Co Ltd for US$4.61 million (RM20.76 million) cash.

MMAG buys aircraft for RM20 mil to expand air cargo capacity

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday:

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd's (KL:BHIC) shareholders have approved the disposal of the fabrication and engineering company’s 51% equity stake i...

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (OCBC Bank) has been named Malaysia’s “Bank of the Year” by London-based publication The Banker for the second consecutive year.

Datasonic Group Bhd (KL:DSONIC) said Azlan Abdul Kadir’s status as a substantial shareholder of the company has ceased following a 20 million share disposal.

Azlan Abdul Kadir ceases to be Datasonic's substantial shareholder

Malaysia’s economy sustained strong growth in the first three quarters of 2024 (9M2024), expanding by 5.2% from January to September, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

Malaysia's economy up 5.2% in 9M2024, official data show

Donald Trump's surprise threat to retake control of the Panama&nbsp;Canal&nbsp;and his expansionist declaration that the US should own Greenland signals that the incoming US&nbsp;president will pursue a foreign policy&nbsp;unbound&nbsp;by diplomatic niceties.

Trump previews combative foreign policy with threats to Panama, Greenland

East Navigators Capital Ltd is no longer a substantial shareholder in Pharmaniaga Bhd (KL:PHARMA) after disposing of a 1.76% stake in the PN17-status pharmaceutical firm for RM5.32 million.

East Navigators' direct stake in Pharmaniaga falls below 5% after selling shares at discount

JAPANESE financial group Nomura, which recently commemorated its 50th year of operations in Malaysia, sees strong opportunities to expand its business here amid a positive outlook on the country.

The group has three operating entities in Malaysia, namely Nomura Asset Management Malaysia...

Nomura sees more opportunities in Malaysia amid positive outlook  

The proposed new international airport in Kuching is set to enhance Sarawak’s appeal, providing a crucial X factor to attract businesses, investors and visitors.

Abang Johari sees new Sarawak airport driving state’s economic growth

Malaysia’s producer price index (PPI) declined by 0.4% in November 2024, a slower decrease compared to the 2.4% drop in October 2024, mainly due to the continued contraction in the mining sector, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

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