Malaysia recorded RM190.3 billion in approved investments for the first half of 2025 (1H2025), up 18.7% from RM160 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) data on Friday.
Oil prices were little changed on Friday but were on track to snap a two-week losing streak as hope for immediate peace between Russia and Ukraine dimmed, increasing the risk premium demanded by oil sellers.
The latest trade data released on Tuesday point to challenging times ahead – not just for the country’s exporters but also the domestic economy.
Even as vehicle sales are expected to fall this year, automotive players in Malaysia also face price competition from China brands that will weigh on margins, analysts say.
Japan's manufacturing activity contracted for the second month in August as U.S. tariffs weighed on overseas demand, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday.
Yields on Japan’s super-long government bonds climbed to multi-decade highs, driven by persistent concerns over fiscal expansion and fading demand from key investors.