Research & Analysis

Summary Real activity moderated at the start of 3Q2026. Wholesale and retail trade volume growth moderated to 4.1% in July, mainly reflecting slower wholesale activity, while industrial production growth eased to 4.7% on weaker mining output. Manufacturing remained firm at 6.4%, with forward indicators turning more constructive. Approved investments also remained strong at RM218.5 billion […]

Summary Malaysia’s economy outperformed expectations in 2Q2026, with final gross domestic product (GDP) growth revised up to 6.0% (advance estimate: 5.8%; 1Q2026: 4.4%), supported by broad-based growth across the services, manufacturing, construction and mining sectors. Data-centre investment and the global technology upcycle continued to support activity, while resilient labour conditions and contained inflation reinforced the

Summary Malaysia’s economy exceeded expectations in 2Q2026, with the advance estimate pointing to gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.8% (1Q2026: 5.4%), driven by resilient domestic demand, stronger manufacturing activity and a sharp rebound in mining output. Reflecting the stronger-than-expected first-half performance, MARC Ratings has revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast upward to 5.1% (previously:

Summary Exports recorded double-digit growth for the second consecutive month, with growth accelerating to 45.3% in May (Apr: 37.3%). This strong performance was underpinned by the continued semiconductor upcycle, alongside stronger supply chain diversification amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Regional trade activity is expected to remain supported by improving manufacturing conditions, as the latest Purchasing Managers’