Forex

Ringgit likely to trade within 4.04-4.07 range next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade within the 4.04-4.07 range next week with the balance of risks tilted modestly towards a firmer ringgit as global investors rotate away from the dollar and back into emerging-market carry and growth exposure, an analyst said.

Insight

Hainan anchors aweigh

On Dec 18 last year, the customs closure at Hainan Free Trade Port marked Hainan's transition from Phase 1.0 Pilot Stage (2020–2025) to the Phase 2.0 Full Implementation Stage. This signals Hainan's departure from policy experimentation to system-wide institutional deployment.

Star Biz7

The big catch

Bursa Malaysia had a banner year for listings in 2025, chalking up 60 debuts – the most in over a decade – and nearly RM30bil in fresh market capitalisation. But the money raised told a different story, with initial public offering (IPO) proceeds easing to RM6bil from RM7.4bil.

Short Position

The puzzling MMAG premium exit that wasn’t

Datuk Seri Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak's departure from MMAG Holdings Bhd initially appears to be a well-timed exit.

Star Biz7

Banking on trust

Today's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face an increasingly challenging landscape, marked by rising costs, unpredictable global economic conditions and rapidly changing customer demands.

Star Biz7

EM bonds looking good despite headwinds

Cautious optimism is shaping investor sentiment in 2026, with emerging market (EM) bonds expected to benefit from supportive policies and resilient technicals despite slowing global growth and ongoing trade frictions.

Insight

Can paralysed Europe rise again?

By any measure, 2025 will be remembered as a crucial tipping point. Violent armed conflict escalated in many areas, notably Ukraine, Israel-Gaza-Iran-Lebanon, Pakistan-India, Thailand-Cambodia, Venezuela, Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, among others.

Star Biz7

Rolls-Royce revs up custom cars

When Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd launched the Spectre in late 2023, the British automaker's ultra-wealthy customers jumped at the chance to buy the brand's first electric vehicle (EV) that offered a silent ride over the noise of a V12 engine. 

Star Biz7

Offering luxury for less

Diners want it, and chefs and restaurant owners contending with diner apathy are happy to provide it.

Star Biz7

Thai auto gears up, bumps and all

Thailand's automotive sector faces a mixed year with production ticking up but earnings still under pressure as the market pivots away from its traditional strengths and towards new electric vehicle (EV) players.

Insight

Strategic challenge facing banks in asset management

The recent news that United Overseas Bank (UOB) plans to hive off its asset management business highlights the strategic challenges that banks face with regard to their asset management divisions.

Star Biz7

Qipao elegance unveiled

A new exhibition at the Shanghai Museum brings to the limelight the iconic Chinese qipao (cheongsam), featuring pop singer Jeff Chang's collection and donated garments from socialite Chiang Shih-yun (1912 to 2016), also known as Aileen Pei.

Star Biz7

China equities set to shine

China's equities look set for a strong 2026, with policymakers and markets aligning on growth and innovation. The country's ability to stand firm against US trade pressures reflects the narrowing technological gap between the two economies, setting the stage for a more constructive year ahead, according to Franklin Templeton.

Insight

Rebuilding Ukraine

The eyes of the world have been glued to the twists and turns of the ongoing talks to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but the real story for investors is what comes after.

Star Biz7

Markets look beyond Venezuela shock

Investors are bracing for a year defined by volatility, but there are reasons to look beyond the headlines. Last weekend's dramatic event in Venezuela has sparked chatter across trading floors and investment desks worldwide, yet market reactions remain measured so far.

Star Biz7

Underrated threat of AI-driven inflation 

Global stock markets, riding high on artificial intelligence (AI) euphoria at the start of 2026, may be disregarding one of the biggest threats that could spoil the party: a surge in inflation driven partly by the tech investment boom.

Star Biz7

Banks snatch up mortgage bonds

Flush with deposits, US banks are buying up mortgage bonds (MBS) and betting that the asset class will get a further boost in 2026 from relaxed capital rules.

Insight

High investment, low job creation

The cat is out of the bag when it was disclosed that the massive surge of data centre investments in Malaysia has not lived up to expectations.

Insight

Work longer, save more

Malaysians need to work longer, and the Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) framework provides a clearer picture of how much is required for retirement.

Short Position

Semiconductors still in US crosshairs

After a seeming detente by the US government toward China in the ongoing tech war, an announcement last week served as a reminder that Washington remains very hawkish when it comes to anything related to semiconductors.