CPO Futures Close Lower Amid Weaker Soybean Oil Prices

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed lower on Wednesday, weighed by recent declining crude oil prices and weaker Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean oil, amid easing worries over oil supply in West Asia.

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.

Bursa Malaysia Ends Higher Tracking Regional Gains, CI Up 1.10 Pct

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher today, in line with upbeat regional market performance and supported by the strong debut of Sunway Healthcare.

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. 

Medical Sector To Remain Unaffected By Ongoing Geopolitical Tension -- Sunway Healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian medical sector is not affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East; hence, the outlook for the medical tourism sector remains strong for this year, said Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd. 

Bursa Malaysia Remains Higher At Midday In Sync With Regional Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia remained higher at midday in sync with upbeat regional market performance.

Bursa Malaysia Remains Higher At Midday In Sync With Regional Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia remained higher at midday in sync with upbeat regional market performance.

Labuan Freight Forwarders Association Optimistic Over Megah Port’s Performance

LABUAN, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Freight Forwarders Association (LFFA) has expressed optimism over the performance of Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) in managing and handling operations at Labuan Port.

New Hire-purchase Rules To Benefit Borrowers, Minimal Impact On Banks

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The introduction of key amendments to hire-purchase financing practices under the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act 2026 (HPAA) marks a significant move in strengthening borrowers’ protection, particularly for those looking to sell vehicles before their financing contracts mature, an economist said.