July’s OPR Cut Unlikely To Signal Start Of Near-term Rate-cutting Cycle -- MIDF Amanah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- MIDF Amanah Investment Bank does not view Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) 25-basis point (bps) reduction in the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 2.75 per cent as signalling the start of a rate-cutting cycle in the near term. 

OPR Cut To 2.75 Pct Will Stimulate Businesses, Maintain Nation’s Economic Resilience

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) – Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to cut the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent is a proactive stance to stimulate business activity, sustain domestic demand, bolster growth and maintain Malaysia’s economic resilience.

MPC Pre-emptively Cuts OPR To Preserve Steady Growth Path - BNM Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Following is the transcript of Bernama’s email interview with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour on the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR).  

SST And New Electricity Tariffs: Relief Measures To Ease Transition

By Nurul Hanis Izmir

PUTRAJAYA, July 6 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia enters the second half of 2025, the government’s fiscal recalibration through an expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and revised electricity tariffs mark a strategic move to strengthen national finances while prioritising the welfare of the rakyat.

Ringgit Opens Marginally Higher Vs US Dollar

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar amidst improving United States (US) economic data, which supported the greenback, said an analyst.

Targeted Expansion Of Scope Of SST To Control Cascading Effect Of Prices -- Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The expansion of the scope of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) can control the cascading effect on all goods because it is implemented in a targeted manner and not comprehensively which will burden the people, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

HLIB Expects Fiscal Deficit To Narrow To 3.8 Pct in 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) expects the fiscal deficit to be narrowed to 3.8 per cent this year (2024: -4.1 per cent), as announced in Budget 2025.

Middle East Geopolitical Tensions And Their Short-term Impact On Malaysia - Amir Hamzah 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) — The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a short-term impact on Malaysia, particularly in terms of economic stability, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Kenanga Investment Bank Revises 2025 Inflation Forecast Downward To 2.0 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd has revised its 2025 inflation forecast downward to 2.0 per cent from 2.7 per cent (2024: 1.8 per cent), while expecting Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged.

Rakuten Trade Lowers FBM KLCI 2025 Target To 1,630 Amid Earnings Downgrade

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has revised its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to 1,630 from its earlier projection of 1,730, in line with the recent downgrades in corporate earnings, said its head of research Kenny Yee Shen Pin. 

Auto Sector To Have Minimum Impact From SST Expansion -- CIMB Securities

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd has projected the upcoming Sales and Service Tax (SST) expansion in July 2025 to have a limited direct impact on the automotive sector.

RON95 Subsidy Cut To Come First, Carbon Tax Expected In 2026 – Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The government will prioritise the rationalisation of RON95 petrol subsidy this year before introducing a carbon tax in 2026, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.