Research & Analysis

Monthly Review: Growing inflation pressures drive higher global and domestic yields – May 2026 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s gross domestic product growth remains well supported by both domestic and external demand, providing a strong buffer against near-term uncertainties. Although a marginal slowdown in private sector activity and exports of goods and services moderated 1Q2026 growth to 5.4% (4Q2025: 6.2%), underlying domestic demand remains resilient. Private consumption was supported by festive spending

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2025 MARC Ratings Annual Corporate Default and Ratings Transition Study

Summary In 2025, MARC Ratings’ corporate portfolio recorded minimal rating migration compared to the preceding year, with only three upgrades and no downgrades or defaults. This stability was supported by the resilient economy and accommodative policy rate amid heightened uncertainties. Subsequently, the downgrade-to-upgrade ratio improved to 0.0x, compared to the prior year at 1.5x, which

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Monthly Review: Advance estimates signal strong start, but war-driven risks mount – April 2026 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s economy opened 2026 on solid footing, with 1Q2026 gross domestic product (GDP) advance estimates expanding by 5.3%, anchored by services (5.4%) and an accelerating manufacturing sector (5.8%). External trade reinforced this momentum, with March exports reaching RM148.8 billion (+8.3%), driven by electrical and electronics (E&E) products (+15.0%). However, the full macroeconomic impact of

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Monthly Review: Central banks review policies amid war-driven inflation – March 2026 – Summary

Summary The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to spillover effects beyond oil price fluctuations. In March, Brent crude oil prices surged to approximately USD99 per barrel, a significant rise compared to February’s average of USD69 per barrel. Disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for fertiliser, have also contributed

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Monthly Review: GDP outperformance fuels equity market – February 2026 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s economy closed 2025 on a strong note, with 4Q2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 6.3%, surpassing the advance estimate of 5.7% (3Q2025 actual: 5.4%). This lifted the full-year growth in 2025 to 5.2%, matching 2024’s pace (2024: 5.1%). Moving into 2026, economic momentum is underpinned by firmer external demand and steady private

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Monthly Review: Malaysia’s growth exceeds expectations – January 2026 – Summary

Summary Malaysia ended 2025 on a strong footing, with its 4Q2025 gross domestic product (GDP) advance estimate rising by 5.7%, bringing full-year growth to an estimated 4.9%, above consensus expectations. Growth in 4Q2025 was broad-based, led by services (5.4%; 3Q2025: 5.0%) and manufacturing (6.0%; 3Q2025: 4.1%) due to strong external demand for electrical and electronic

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1H2026 Outlook: Global growth moderates, Malaysia maintains resilience – 2026 – Summary

Summary Ending 2025, global growth remained resilient. Major economies have avoided recession, supported by services activity and accommodative interest rates, but growth momentum remains capped by labour supply limitations and demographic trends. The global economy is expected to see moderate growth in 2026, though shifts in monetary policy, trade dynamics, and geopolitical developments will remain

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Monthly Review: Foreign bond bid firms on ringgit strength and resilient domestic fundamentals – December 2025 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s external sector remains on a strong growth trajectory with exports growing at 7.0% in November (Oct: 15.7%). Growth was underpinned by resilient demand for electrical and electronic products (E&E) at 15.0% (Oct: 26.5%) as well as recovering petroleum exports. Performance with trading partners also remained robust, with shipments to China accelerating to 9.3%

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