Why speculation hurts homebuyers
Today, the Malaysian housing market appears steady on the surface but the reality beneath is far more uneven. Growing up, the older generation often advised their children to secure at least one property as a hedge against inflation.
More fresh paint forl aneways
Once dismissed as dingy service corridors, Malaysia's urban alleyways are quietly being reimagined as lively public spaces. With colourful murals, small independent businesses and small pockets of historical significance tucked into narrow lanes, these spaces show that even the most overlooked parts of a city can take on new meaning.
DIY homes: A growing trend
As living costs continue to rise and salaries remain stagnant, more people are turning to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects at home rather than calling in the experts. Electrical and plumbing works aside, unless one is a qualified electrician or plumber, DIY home projects are significantly growing in Malaysia.
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.
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.
Diagnosing the FBM KLCI
The FBM KLCI closed 2025 with a modest gain of just 2.3%. What was also significant is that the index posted its first back-to-back positive returns since the great bull run between 2008 and 2013, when it rose for five consecutive years.
Fed’s six big challenges in 2026
In coming months, markets will undoubtedly obsess over US President Donald Trump's choice to lead the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and whether this will give him the control he seeks over interest rates.
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.
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.
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.
