Capital Markets News

Do you know? US-Iran MOUThe US is not obligated to contribute any money to the USD300 billion reconstruction fund. The MOU states the US will work with regional partners to develop a USD300 billion plan, but the actual financing is expected to come from Gulf states and other partners. This creates a massive loophole where…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?The likelihood of GE16 being held in 2026 is moderate to fairly high, but not certain. Preparations for a possible 2H2026 election are underway, with a realistic window in late 2026 if the government wants to combine general and state polls. The case for an early election is supported by…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?The government highlights that tax revenue is projected to rise to RM343.1 billion in 2026, with individual income tax expected to hit RM49.07 billion (up 9.4% from 2025) and corporate tax reaching RM103.35 billion (up 6.5%). This increase is driven by broadening the tax base, improving governance, and steady wage…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?Household spending remains the primary growth engine, supported by low unemployment and targeted subsidy measures that preserve disposable income for lower-income groups. The counterpoint is that household debt levels remain elevated (over 85% of GDP), limiting spending sustainability, and wage growth has not kept pace with productivity gains. Critics also…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?Trade value is expected to reach RM3 trillion in 2026, with export growth resilient despite geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions. However, this projection depends heavily on volatile external factors including Middle East conflict, US-China trade dynamics, and commodity price fluctuations that Malaysia cannot control. Moreover, the economy remains…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?Headline inflation was 1.6% in 1Q2026, with core inflation at 2.1%, and the government projects inflation to remain moderate at 1.5-2.5% for 2026 through targeted subsidy reforms. Despite that, subsidy rationalisation has increased costs for specific essentials (fuel, electricity, food) affecting lower-income households disproportionately, even if headline inflation appears controlled….

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?The government claims unemployment is at approximately 3%, the lowest in a decade, with increasing job placements reflecting improved labour market conditions. Notwithstanding, low headline unemployment masks underlying issues: many Malaysians remain in underemployment or informal work without stable income, and youth unemployment continues to be disproportionately high. Furthermore, critics…

Do you know? GE16 in 2026?Malaysia’s 5.4% GDP growth in 1Q2026 that exceeded analyst expectations and demonstrates robust recovery momentum is highlighted as evidence of economic strength. However, this growth slowed from a revised 6.2% expansion in 4Q2025, indicating momentum is decelerating rather than accelerating. Additionally, there are warnings of a “worsening economic outlook” ahead,…

Do you know? Artificial intelligence (AI) trendsFinance / banking professionals should build AI skills and shift their focus towards human comparative advantages. These include learning AI tools for financial modelling, using AI to boost productivity, and dedicating more time to strategic judgment, client relationships, complex deal structuring, and creative problem-solving, all of which are activities…

Do you know? Artificial intelligence (AI) trendsThe biggest risk posed by AI to finance / banking professionals is automation of routine analytical tasks like financial modelling, data processing, report generation, and due diligence review—work that forms the bulk of entry-to-mid-level banking duties. This creates a “hollowing out” effect where junior professionals lose skill-building opportunities and…