Malaysia recorded 1.5 percent inflation in September as consumer prices climbed from 133.2 points to 135.2 points compared with the previous year. Personal care and miscellaneous services rose 4.8 percent, while food costs increased 2.1 percent, according to government statistics. Chief statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin said 343 items showed higher prices, though most gains stayed…
Japan plans economic relief measures exceeding $92 billion to address rising living costs under new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The package will target inflation relief, industrial development, and defense spending as her first major policy initiative. The government intends to eliminate temporary gasoline taxes and expand aid for smaller businesses unable to access current wage…
IOI Corporation faces possible exclusion from Malaysia’s benchmark stock index after failing liquidity requirements for three consecutive months. MBSB Investment Bank said the palm oil producer missed threshold tests in June, July, and August with monthly median turnover below the required 0.040 percent. Westports Holdings would likely replace IOI Corporation if the company fails the…
Gold and silver prices plunged on Wednesday after President Donald Trump cast doubt on his planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The metals dropped for a second straight session following a rally that pushed gold up more than 60 percent since January. Bullion fell to $4,000 per ounce after reaching a record $4,381.51 on…
Netflix stock fell more than 6 percent on Tuesday after the streaming company reported lower profits than analysts expected. The platform earned $2.5 billion on $11.5 billion in revenue but faced a $619 million charge from Brazilian tax authorities. Executives said the expense affected margins despite strong viewer growth in Britain and the United States,…
Airbus expanded its manufacturing operations in China by opening a second assembly facility in Tianjin near Beijing. The European aircraft maker will produce A320neo jets at the location starting in early 2026. This marks the company’s 10th global assembly line following a similar opening in Mobile, Alabama. Airbus chief Guillaume Faury discussed the expansion with…
Malaysian stocks opened with modest gains on Wednesday before declining as traders weighed stalled American trade negotiations and the continuing federal shutdown. The benchmark index fell 0.30 points to 1,616.53 at 9:10 am after initially rising 0.73 points. Market analysts said upcoming regional summits and budget developments could support prices despite mixed signals from Wall…
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he anticipates reaching a favorable trade agreement with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at next week’s regional summit. The 79-year-old American leader cautioned that the meeting could still be canceled if circumstances change. Trump announced plans in September for his first encounter with Xi since returning to office and a visit…
European Union and Chinese officials will hold emergency meetings in Brussels following Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic spoke with Chinese Minister Wang Wentao for two hours on Tuesday and secured an agreement for immediate talks. China controls most global production of minerals used in magnets for automobiles, electronics, and military…
L’Oreal plans to acquire a stake in Armani despite purchasing Kering’s beauty operations for $4.6 billion. Chief executive Nicolas Hieronimus told Le Figaro the French cosmetics company aims to buy 15 percent of the Italian fashion house. The Kering deal grants L’Oreal exclusive 50-year licenses for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga products starting in 2028….
