BNM Assesses Risks, Economic Impact From West Asia Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is actively assessing the economic impact of the West Asia conflict as the outbreak could last up to six months, affecting oil supplies and energy prices, said Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. 

Credit Quality Of Business Loans Has Improved, Says BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The overall credit quality of business borrowings improved in the second half (2H) of 2025 with no notable divergence in trends across segments and sectors as shares of impaired loans and loans with increased credit risk for overall businesses improved to 2.8 per cent and 10.7 per cent, respectively.

Headline Inflation To Stay Moderate At 1.5 Pct- 2.5 Pct In 2026 - BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Headline inflation is expected to remain moderate, averaging between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent in 2026 despite greater global commodity price volatility amid the West Asia conflict, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

BNM Reduces OPR To 2.75 Pct In July 2025 To Ensure Policy Support In Place Amid Challenging Global Environment

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- While the domestic economy was on solid footing in 2025, global developments posed greater downside risks to Malaysia’s growth outlook, prompting Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to make the pre-emptive decision to reduce the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent in July last year.

 Malaysia’s Economy To Grow 4-5 Pct In 2026 Backed By Domestic Resilience

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed and Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) estimates Malaysia’s economy to grow between four per cent and five per cent this year compared with 5.2 per cent registered in 2025, with the country’s domestic resilience and diversified export structure continuing to provide buffer to navigate the current external headwinds mainly from conflict in West Asia.

Malaysia Well-Positioned To Withstand Rising Fiscal Pressures Amid High Oil Prices

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains well-positioned to withstand rising fiscal pressures as the price of Brent crude holds above US$100 per barrel, with stronger petroleum-related revenues expected to cushion the impact of a higher RON95 subsidy bill, said analysts. 

Bursa Malaysia Lower At Mid-Morning, Weighed Down By Banking, Property Counters

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia stayed lower at mid-morning, weighed down by selling pressure in selected heavyweight stocks, particularly banking and property counters, while gains in plantation and energy stocks helped limit the downside.

Bursa Malaysia To Remain Cautious Next Week As West Asia Conflict Dents Sentiment

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade cautiously next week as the unresolved West Asia conflict continues to shape global market direction.

Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower As Conflicting Signals From West Asia Cloud Sentiment

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia reversed yesterday’s gains to close at an intraday low, with the benchmark index easing 0.34 per cent as investors tracked developments in West Asia while remaining cautious amid increasingly conflicting signals from both the United States (US) and Iran over potential peace negotiations. 

Fertiliser Supply Risks Threaten Southeast Asia Grain Output, Malaysia Seen As Resilient - BMI

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- The risk of reduced application rates for 2026/2027 grain crops across Southeast Asia is increasing, particularly as key application windows approach, posing downside risks to production, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.

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.

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).