European Energy Prices Rise Amid West Asia Tensions

LONDON, March 19 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- European gas and oil prices rose sharply in early trading on Thursday as escalating tensions in West Asia and attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar and Iran have heightened concerns over supply disruptions, reported Xinhua.

Iran Action May Send Oil To US$120 A Barrel, Asia To Bear The Brunt -- Rystad Energy

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Oil prices could hit US$120 (US$1=RM3.93) per barrel if Iranian authorities act on their implied threat to strike on five facilities across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, with Asia bearing the brunt given its dependence on Qatari volumes, according to an analyst.

Ringgit Eases Against Greenback After US Fed Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The ringgit eased against the US dollar at Thursday’s close following the United States Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision to keep interest rates unchanged, providing support to the greenback.

Rubber Market Ends Mixed As West Asia Conflict Drives Profit-taking

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended mixed on Thursday, as the West Asia conflict influenced crude oil prices, prompting profit-taking activities, a trader said.

Asian Shares Plunge As Iran Conflict Worsens

BEIJING, March 19 (Bernama-dpa-AFX) -- Asian stocks nosedived on Thursday as rising oil prices following attacks on key energy infrastructure in West Asia rekindled concerns about inflation, interest rates, and the regional growth outlook, reported dpa-AFX.

Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower Due To Late Selling, Tracking Regional Weakness

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower today due to late selling in selected heavyweights, particularly in the healthcare, utilities and financial services sectors and was also in sync with regional market weakness.

Malaysia’s Macro Position Is Stronger To Weather Shock Compared To Pandemic Era, Says World Bank's Apurva

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s stronger ringgit is helping to ease the impact of rising global import prices, although the country’s import cover has declined, compared with pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels, said the World Bank's lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi.

ECB To Announce Interest Rate Decision Amid Iran Conflict, Oil Price Surge

FRANKFURT, March 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to announce its latest decision on interest rates on Wednesday against the backdrop of surging oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

GWI: Middle East Desalination Holds Despite Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Global Water Intelligence (GWI) DesalData, a global desalination and water reuse market intelligence platform, projected that the Middle East's desalination project pipeline will remain largely intact despite the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran.

Ringgit Up Against Major Currencies, Softens Vs Greenback At Open

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened higher against major currencies but eased against the US dollar this morning as cautious global sentiment continued to weigh on emerging market currencies.

Oil May Rise On Conflict, Fall To US$80-US$90 If War Ends By Mid-April

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Crude oil prices can go even higher than current levels of US$100-US$103 per barrel if the war in West Asia continues affecting passageway in the Strait of Hormuz and supply tightness becomes more acute, Kpler senior crude oil analyst Muyu Xu said today.

Ringgit Extends Gains Against Greenback Amid Softer Oil Prices

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The ringgit made further gains today, closing slightly higher against the US dollar amid softer crude oil prices following strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) releases.