Capital markets news | Mon 5 Jan 2026
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2026 surprises > Geo‑finance and fragmentation: Trade and tech tensions could harden into financial segmentation, with blocs steering issuance and listings to aligned markets, fragmenting liquidity. “De‑Swift‑isation” via regional payment systems and CBDC/wholesale‑token corridors, plus pre‑emptive diversification away from sanctionable assets, could nudge term premia higher in traditional havens and lower in neutral, higher‑yield jurisdictions.
Equity
- EcoSys, another Solarvest-backed firm, files for ACE Market listing Edge
- Go Hub proposes RM21.2m private placement to fund 4 new projects Edge
- A credit-able showing ahead Star
- Nomura’s GMT headed for Malaysia Star
- China’s multi-asset funds dominate top performers as tech soars Edge
- AI chip designer Biren’s shares surge 76% on debut in Hong Kong Edge NST
- Emerging-market stock index hits 5-year high on AI bets Edge
- Britain’s FTSE-100 hits 10,000 mark, getting 2026 off to strong start Edge NST Star
Debt
- Bumitama’s AA2 sukuk rating affirmed RAM
- Sukuk redemption marks positive step for Cypark Resources Star
- Banks’ net interest margins to recover in 2H on stable OPR Edge
- Household loans steady as SME demand drags growth NST
- Credit growth signals resilient demand, says HLIB NST
- Banking sector asset quality intact buffered by overlay balances Star
- Indonesia to divert USD4.5b from state-bank placements Edge
- Saudis signal intention to ease up on international bond sales Edge NST
- Bond strategies pivot to govts, EMs Star
- Saks in talks for USD1b bankruptcy loan to keep doors open Yahoo
Digital assets
- USD110b in crypto left South Korea in 2025 owing to strict trading rules Coindesk
- Iran accepts cryptocurrency as payment for advanced weapons Coindesk
- Mainstream crypto raises investor risk Star
- Bitcoin tops USD91k amid US action on Venezuela Coindesk
- Bitcoin ETFs lose record USD4.57b in 2 months Coindesk
- Crypto Fear and Greed Index flips to neutral for first time since Oct Cointelegraph
- Crypto rich threaten to leave California after new tax Cointelegraph
- Bitfinex hacker credits Trump’s First Step Act for early prison release Coindesk
- Wrench attacks against crypto holders rising, growing more violent Cointelegraph
M&A
- Theta Edge sees 27% stake offloaded at 23% premium, Tabung Haji likely seller Edge
- China’s Zijin Mining to expand global assets, says new chairman Edge
- KFC, Pizza Hut India operators to merge in USD933m deal Edge
- Investar completes Wichita Falls Bancshares acquisition Yahoo
- GigaCloud completes acquisition of New Classic Home Furnishings Yahoo
- Bitcoin miner Bitfarms exits Latin America with USD30m Paraguay sale Coindesk
Malaysia
- Short-term rates to remain steady next week on Bank Negara operations NST
- KLIBOR futures likely to stay quiet next week NST
- Bursa Malaysia derivatives hit annual volume high for second consecutive year Star
- RM4.00 within reach Star
- MARC Ratings sees ringgit strengthening to 3.93 by mid-2026 Edge NST
- Dec PMI remains at 50.1, unchanged from Nov NST Star
- 4Q economic growth in focus as 2026 begins NST
- Kenanga IB maintains 2025 growth forecast at 4.8% Star
- MBSB IB sees Malaysia’s economic growth at 4.3% in 2026 Edge
- Taxation among proposed MSME-related policies to be brought to Cabinet Edge
Other markets
- Singapore’s factories power growth to fastest in 4 years Edge
- China calls EU carbon border tax unfair, warns of counter-moves Edge
- Bank of Korea’s Rhee sees misaligned won, vows to guard FX stability Edge
- South Korea factory activity expands on stronger exports, PMI shows NST
- Lacklustre demand drags Indian factory growth to 2-year low in Dec NST
- India approves USD4.6b to boost electronics supply chain Edge
- Asia senior investment banker hires jump 60%, survey shows Edge
- Asia’s factories end 2025 on firmer footing as orders pick up Star
- Fed’s Paulson signals another rate cut could take a while Yahoo
- Huge restaurant industry brand files Chapter 11 as lawsuits mount Yahoo
- UK factory output grows as sector shakes off tax concerns Edge
- European factory activity ends 2025 in deeper contraction, Asia shines Edge
- EU’s carbon border tax goes live and trade partners are not amused Yahoo
- Turkish Airlines to build world’s largest cargo terminal Edge
- Turkiye’s 2025 exports up 4.5% to hit record USD273.4b NST
- The rise of finfluencers: Can you really trust financial advice on social media? Yahoo