Star Biz7

The interesting geometry of building shapes

Gone are the days when buildings were just four walls. In Malaysia's bustling property market, developers fight tooth and nail on design, cost and branding. This underscores that a building's shape is a key strategic decision, not just an aesthetic one.

Star Biz7

Malaysia’s open door pays off

As a wave of protectionism sweeps across the globe, with many countries closing their doors to foreign homebuyers, Malaysia is emerging as a compelling counter-narrative.

Star Biz7

Higher rents hit credit-restricted and gig workers

In Malaysian cities, the rental market is grappling with a widening gap between what tenants can afford and the prices landlords are asking. Renters who have been house hunting lately may find themselves under more scrutiny than usual.

Forex

Ringgit expected to trade in tight range next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade within a tight range next week as investor focus shifts to the United States' anticipated interest rate cut.

Insight

They came, they thawed, they concurred 

RECENT developments in the trilateral relationship between India, China and the United States reflect a notable recalibration of regional dynamics.

Markets

Wall St Week Ahead: Investors await Fed's view on labour market

Investors will look for the Federal Reserve to communicate how worried it is about the flagging US labour market at its meeting next week and they expect the central bank to cut interest rates for the first time in nine months to shore up employment.

Short Position

Questions arise when banks end up as shareholders

BANKS operate on the principle of taking and managing calculated financial risks to generate profits.

Short Position

Tariff shadows loom over electronics manufacturing services stocks

WHILE semiconductor stocks on Bursa Malaysia have remained largely unscathed by tariff concerns, the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) segment seems to be taking a hit.

Short Position

Axis-REIT’s growth play highlights tenant risk

AXIS Real Estate Investment Trust's (Axis-REIT) decision to purchase an industrial property in Port Klang without a tenant lined up does raise eyebrows.

Insight

Budget 2026 – spending it right

WITH less than a month before Budget 2026, it is an opportune time to have a preview of expectations as far as the government's revenue, expenditure and financials are concerned.

Insight

Energy, technology and policy reshaping Asean mobility

THE future of mobility in Malaysia is no longer just about vehicles – it is about energy, infrastructure, and regional integration.

Star Biz7

Creatin’ a new reputation

CREATINE is shedding its gym-bro reputation, unlocking lucrative new markets as women and older Americans get wise to the benefits of the long-stigmatised supplement. Sales are booming as a result.

Star Biz7

Milking the high-protein trend

EUROPE'S dairy and poultry producers are having a moment as the global trend towards high-protein diets intensifies, in a stark contrast with Big Food's struggle to revive volumes.

Star Biz7

Turning burnt cones into gelato gold

WHEN Burnt Cones opened in Sunset Way in December 2020, co-founder Miles Thng, 34, was taking a gamble during one of the most uncertain times.

Star Biz7

Cultivate smart strategies for food security

FOOD security in Malaysia requires a paradigm shift, and the approach must be comprehensive without being one-size-fits-all, says Dr Larry Wong Chee Yoong, a senior fellow at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER).

Star Biz7

Aberdeen pins hopes on retail investors

NOT many envied Jason Windsor when he took over as chief executive officer of Aberdeen Group Plc – a poster child for the malaise plaguing traditional active asset managers. 

Star Biz7

EMs dive into debt rally

COUNTRIES and companies in the developing world are rushing to sell bonds at the fastest clip in at least a decade, taking advantage of high appetite for emerging market (EM) assets to issue debt amid what investors say could be sharper swings ahead in global debt markets.

Star Biz7

Sign up for a reliable handyman

IF you're a homeowner, you're likely familiar with the wide variety of things that can go awry in a property over time.

Star Biz7

Thai tourism, banks back in focus

THAILAND'S tourism and banking industries are beginning to win back investor attention, with fresh debates emerging over earnings resilience, capital strategies and the country's long-term growth story.

Star Biz7

Volatility boosts Asia’s investment appeal

MARKETS are still rising, but the tide could shift as trade tariffs bite, currencies wobble and valuations stretch.