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.

Malaysia's Targeted Subsidies Expected To Moderate Inflation Pressure Amid West Asia Conflict, Says MARC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s headline inflation is expected to remain manageable, supported by the government’s targeted subsidies, amid the West Asia conflict, according to the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC).

Ringgit Strengthens To Highest Level Since 2021 Against Singapore Dollar

SINGAPORE, March 18 (Bernama) -- The ringgit rose to its strongest level in five years against the Singapore dollar today, supported by higher energy prices and growing optimism over artificial intelligence (AI).

Maybank Research Trims Singapore 2026 GDP Growth Forecast To 3.4 Pct

SINGAPORE, March 18 (Bernama) -- Maybank Research Pte Ltd (MRPL) has revised Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 3.4 per cent in 2026, down from its earlier projection of 3.6 per cent, amid ongoing West Asia conflicts. 

Petronas Recognises Sabah’s Growing Role In Malaysia’s OGSE Sector

KOTA KINABALU, March 18 (Bernama) -- Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) recognises Sabah’s growing role in Malaysia’s oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector, as part of broader collaborative efforts to strengthen the state’s contribution to national energy security and economic development.

OCBC Revises Brent Forecast Higher, Expects Prices Around US$100 Through Mid-year

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- OCBC Group Research has revised its Brent crude oil forecast higher, expecting prices to remain elevated at around US$100 per barrel through mid-year before easing towards US$70 per barrel by early 2027 amid ongoing supply disruptions.

Ringgit Closes Higher As Tension In Strait Of Hormuz Eases

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The ringgit continued its upward momentum on Tuesday, closing higher against the US dollar as news of some ships being allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz eased demand for safe haven assets and lifted regional currencies.

Kuala Lumpur Rubber Market Stays Mixed, Tracking Regional Futures

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market extended its mixed performance for the third consecutive trading day on Tuesday, tracking regional rubber futures, a trader said.

Manufacturing Sector Stabilised In 2H 2025, Improvement Expected In 1H 2026 - FMM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s manufacturing sector stabilised in the second half of 2025 (2H 2025) following earlier weakness, with gradual improvement expected in the first half of 2026 (1H 2026), according to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM).

Funds May Favour Commodity Exporters Like Malaysia Amid West Asia Uncertainties - Economist

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Heightened geopolitical uncertainty surrounding developments in the Strait of Hormuz could influence global capital flows, with commodity-exporting economies such as Malaysia potentially better positioned amid rising energy prices.

Bursa Malaysia Ends Marginally Lower as West Asia Conflicts Weigh On Market Sentiment

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Monday as ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia continued to weigh on market sentiment.

West Asia Conflict: No Economic Stimulus Planned For Now - Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- No economic stimulus package will be introduced for the time being in response to the West Asia conflict, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.