Asian Stocks Plunge Following Trump's Ultimatum To Iran

TOKYO, March 23 (Bernama-dpa) -- Asian markets opened sharply lower on Monday following an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump to Iran, reported Geman Press Agency (dpa). 

Iran's Khamenei Absent On Persian New Year As Speech Read Out On TV

TEHRAN, March 21 (Bernama-dpa) -- People in Iran eagerly awaited a first public appearance by the country's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Persian New Year, or Nowruz, on Friday - but a speech attributed to him was instead read out on state television.

Volatility Seen Continuing For Bursa Malaysia Next Week After Raya Break

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Trading on Bursa Malaysia is expected to continue to be volatile next week after the Raya break, although the broader trend still points to a gradually rising momentum.

Ringgit Set To Remain Stable At 3.95 Level Against US Dollar Next Week

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- The ringgit is expected to remain stable next week, trading at around the 3.95 level against the US dollar amid the festive period.

CPO Futures Seen Trading Higher Next Week Amid Rising Energy Prices

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are expected to trade with an upward bias next week amid the conflict in West Asia.

Rubber Market Seen Range-bound With Upward Bias Next Week Amid West Asia Uncertainty

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- The rubber market is expected to trade sideways with a slight upward bias amid as the market keeps a close watch on uncertainties surrounding the ongoing West Asia conflict, said industry expert Denis Low.

European Central Bank Leaves Rates Unchanged Amidst Heightened Geopolitical Tensions

FRANKFURT, March 20 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday kept key interest rates unchanged as heightened geopolitical tensions weigh on the outlook of inflation and economy in the euro area, reported Xinhua.

Attack On Qatar's LNG Facility Raises Risk Of Wider Supply Disruptions In Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) — Asia-Pacific economies now face rising risks of physical shortages, not only of energy, following the latest Iranian attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facilities, including oil and gas but also of fertilisers and, by extension, potentially food later in the year.

Social Media Sparks Rapid Growth In Malaysia’s “Durian Tourism”

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) — Malaysia has seen a growing “durian tourism” trend, with international visitors, particularly those from China, increasingly building short breaks and day trips around peak durian seasons and well-known producing areas, which appeal is both culinary and experiential.

IMF Warns Prolonged Energy Price Surge Could Lift Inflation

ISTANBUL, March 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday that a sustained rise in energy prices stemming from the war in West Asia could push global inflation higher and weigh on economic output.

Gold Futures End Lower As US Fed Hold Rates

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower on Friday, in line with the weaker US COMEX gold market. 

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.