U.S. consumer confidence slumped to the lowest level in more than 11-1/2 years in January amid mounting anxiety over a sluggish labor market and high prices, which could see households becoming more cautious about spending.
Malaysia’s total trade is expected to grow between 3% and 5% this year after reaching a record RM3.061 trillion in 2025, despite geopolitical uncertainties and technological disruptions, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin.
Analysts are projecting a smaller decline in year-on-year (y-o-y) car sales for 2026 compared with the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), driven by a pick-up in demand for vehicles towards the latter part of the year.
Most Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday as strong gains in technology and AI-related shares ahead of key U.S. megacap earnings outweighed caution in some markets before the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will announce his pick for the new head of the Federal Reserve soon, and that interest rates will fall with the central bank under new leadership.