US weekly jobless claims increase moderately, labor market remains stable
WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits increased moderately last week, pointing to a stable labour market even as rising energy prices from the war with Iran drive up inflation.
World Bank projects Malaysia's economy to grow 4.4% in 2026 amid global risks
KUALA LUMPUR: The World Bank projects Malaysia's economy to record solid growth of 4.4 per cent this year, with domestic demand continuing to anchor activity.
US business leaders express confidence in Chinese market
BUSINESS leaders from the United States have voiced their confidence in the Chinese market and pledged to expand investments in what they consider one of the world's most significant engines of future growth, given the market's vast scale, ability to innovate rapidly and resilient supply chains.
1Q GDP growth to meet initial forecast of 5.3%, potentially better - Akmal Nasrullah
KUALA LUMPUR: Economic growth for the first quarter (1Q) of this year is expected to meet the advance forecast of 5.3 per cent, if not better, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir today.
Latest job stats point to a resilient economy
Malaysia's economy remains resilient despite external headwinds, with the labour market at full employment at the end of March.
Glove sector outlook steady but growth limited
The glove industry is not expected to benefit meaningfully from the recent Andes hantavirus outbreak, as the risk of a large-scale global health crisis similar to the Covid-19 pandemic remains low, according to UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH) Research.
Malaysia positioned as ‘safe haven’ amid volatility
Markets may already have priced in the worst immediate fears from the ongoing energy crisis, but broader investment risks are not going away, says Affin Hwang Research.
Vietnam imports more fuel to offset oil shortfall
Vietnam has ramped up imports of refined oil products after the outbreak of the Iran war to offset a drop in crude supplies for the country's refineries, customs data shows.
S’pore needs to attract AI giants, expand hub
Singapore must take action to attract leading artificial intelligence (AI) firms and also build on its status as a major energy hub, a committee set up to chart new areas of growth and create jobs says in recommendations to the government.
Japan likely to raise interest rates to 2% by end-2027
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is projected to raise its short-term policy rate to 2% from 0.75% currently by end-2027, as robust domestic demand will help the economy absorb external shocks from the Middle East conflict, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
