In today’s episode, we cover the big stories moving markets—from AirAsia’s fleet ambitions and Tenaga Nasional’s tax blow to rising global trade tensions and strong US jobs data. Here’s what matters most for investors and businesses.
🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News
🔹 AirAsia Eyes New Long-Range Airbus Jets
Deal could be announced during the PM’s France visit—major boost to fleet and growth strategy.
🔹 SkyeChip Moves Toward IPO
Malaysian semiconductor designer highlighting the country’s growing AI chip capabilities.
🔹 Econpile Wins RM58M Contracts
Construction and material supply work—adding to next year’s revenue pipeline.
🔹 Dialog Signs MOU with Petronas
Fast-tracking gas production at Mutiara Cluster offshore Sabah—aiming to meet rising power needs.
🔹 Perdana Petroleum Secures 3-Year Charter
Vessel contract with PTTEP Sabah—steady earnings visibility ahead.
🔹 GFM Services Buys 60% of Shapadu Energy
RM30M deal expands energy facilities management footprint.
🔹 AEON Credit’s Earnings Outlook Cut
CIMB flags higher AEON Bank losses and SST impact—profitability timeline extended.
🔹 CTOS Digital Flat Q2 Expected
Analysts still bullish on long-term value despite muted near-term earnings.
🔹 PBA Holdings Plans RM5B Sukuk
Shariah-compliant funding for capex and growth—a significant capital move.
🔹 Insurance M&A Likely
Growing takaful demand could drive sector consolidation and rerating potential.
🔹 Felda Extends FGV Takeover to Aug 15
Called the “final push” to privatise the company.
🔹 TIME dotCom Appoints New CEO
Loh Jenkim steps up; Afzal Abdul Rahim shifts to executive vice chairman—signals strategic change.
🔹 Theta Edge Plans RM20M Private Placement
Funds for expansion and operations—trade-off: share dilution.
🔹 Kelington, Petronas in Carbon Study
Exploring low-carbon business models—aligns with Malaysia’s net-zero targets.
🔹 Tenaga Nasional Faces RM6.8B Tax Provision
Federal Court ruling hits earnings and could set precedent—shares fell on the news.
🔹 Data Centre Growth Continues
Despite higher electricity tariffs, demand remains robust—positive for construction.
🏛️ Domestic Economy & Policy
🔸 BNM Rate Cut Expected Next Week
Potential 25bps cut to support growth amid consumption concerns.
🔸 Expanded SST Targeted to Limit Inflation
Finance minister stresses measures to prevent cascading price hikes—extra revenue to fund aid.
🌍 Global & Market Developments
🛑 Bank of England Warns on Stablecoins
Potential to undermine trust in money—regulators watch closely.
🇯🇵 Bank of Japan Remains Hawkish
Signals rate hike cycle will resume despite US tariff risks.
🇪🇺 Germany Pushes to Settle US-EU Tariffs
July 9 deadline looms—key industries at stake.
🇺🇸 US-Vietnam Trade Tensions Rising
Tariffs on Vietnamese goods spark regional supply chain concerns—China threatens retaliation.
🛢️ Oil Prices Retreat
OPEC+ may boost output; US tariff uncertainty weighs on demand outlook.
🇺🇸 US Stocks Hit New Highs
Strong jobs report offsets trade worries—unemployment fell to 4.1%.
🇺🇸 Fed Holds on Rate Cuts
Tariff-linked inflation cited as a reason to stay cautious.
🇨🇳 China to Curb Price Wars, Boost Demand
Pivot toward domestic growth to counter deflationary pressures.
🇪🇺 EU Proposes 90% Emissions Cut by 2040
Includes flexible mechanisms—ambitious but contentious goal.
🇺🇸 US Tax Bill Passed
Multi-trillion package supports chip production, permanent business tax breaks.
⚠️ Barclays Exuberance Gauge Elevated
10.7% reading signals possible overvaluation risk.
💵 Hong Kong Defends Currency Peg
HK$20B spent to stabilise—continued market pressure.
📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights
✅ AirAsia’s fleet deal and SkyeChip IPO underscore Malaysia’s growth ambitions.
✅ Tenaga’s tax loss highlights regulatory risks for utilities.
✅ Expanded SST and BNM policy moves aim to balance growth and inflation.
✅ US tariffs, China retaliation, and EU emissions goals create an unpredictable global backdrop.
✅ Selective, well-researched positioning is essential in this environment.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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