Malaysia’s currency gained ground on Wednesday morning as Washington’s government operations remained stalled and trade negotiations stayed uncertain. The ringgit reached 4.2235 per dollar at 8:02 am compared with 4.2280 at Tuesday’s finish. Bank Muamalat Malaysia’s chief economist said the federal shutdown entered its third week without resolution, while Trump’s planned meeting with Xi showed…
Washington and Canberra signed an agreement on Tuesday to invest $3 billion in mining projects as Beijing restricts access to strategic metals. The partnership targets lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements used in batteries, defense systems, and industrial magnets. Australia ranks among the top five global producers of key minerals but ships most raw materials…
Malaysia’s stock market gained ground Tuesday as traders returned from holiday and aligned with regional momentum. The benchmark index added 9.65 points to close at 1,616.83 while 779 stocks advanced against 369 decliners. Investors showed renewed confidence after US President Donald Trump signaled progress toward resolving trade disputes with China ahead of their meeting in…
Malaysia’s currency weakened slightly against the dollar on Tuesday as American markets gained strength from expectations of better trade relations with Beijing. The ringgit closed at 4.2280 per dollar compared with 4.2240 at Friday’s finish. Bank Muamalat Malaysia’s chief economist said investors are focused on next week’s scheduled meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi in…
Japan appointed Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister on Tuesday through a parliamentary vote that sparked stock market gains. The conservative nationalist selected Satsuki Katayama to lead the finance ministry as the country addresses inflation and economic stagnation. Political analysts suggest Takaichi faces pressure to balance fiscal policies between her party and coalition…
A South Korean court acquitted Kakao Corp founder Kim Beom-su of stock manipulation charges on Tuesday. The billionaire entrepreneur faced accusations of artificially inflating SM Entertainment share prices in 2023 to prevent competitor Hybe from purchasing the company. Prosecutors requested a 15-year prison sentence and $350,000 fine in August. Kim spent three months in custody…
Malaysia’s currency strengthened against the US dollar on Tuesday morning as American government operations faced disruption and trade disputes with China intensified. The ringgit reached 4.2165 per dollar at 8 am compared with 4.2240 at Friday’s close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia’s chief economist said the currency had entered oversold territory and showed potential for further gains….
US President Donald Trump confirmed Australia will receive nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a defense agreement reached Monday with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The leaders finalized an $8.5 billion deal focused on rare earth minerals and critical resources essential for technology manufacturing. Both governments pledged over $1 billion each within six months to develop…
Cambodia’s expanding cashew production will push worldwide output to 5.5 million metric tonnes in 2025. The Southeast Asian nation joins the Ivory Coast, India, and Vietnam as a leading supplier of the popular nut. Cambodian farmers harvested 940,000 metric tonnes of raw cashews from January through August and earned $1.4 billion from exports. The country…
Broadway musicians threaten to walk off the job on Thursday if negotiations fail to produce a new labor agreement. The union representing thousands of performers warned Wednesday that mediation talks must yield results by morning or productions will halt immediately. Workers have operated without a contract since August 31 while seeking better health benefits and…
