Research & Analysis

Malaysia’s exports rebound as tariff cuts restore demand – August 2025 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.4% in 2Q2025 (1Q2025: 4.4%), slightly below the advance estimate of 4.5%. Growth was supported by robust domestic demand, with private consumption accelerating to 5.3% (1Q2025: 5.0%) on the back of civil servant wage hikes and minimum wage increases. On the investment side, investment activity gained traction,

Malaysia’s exports rebound as tariff cuts restore demand – August 2025 – Summary Read More »

Trade uncertainties weigh on growth prospects – July 2025 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s 2Q2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth advance estimate was 4.5%, close to the 4.4% reported in 1Q2025. June’s exports continued to decline after a contraction in May, registering at -3.5% (May: -1.1%). Current data points to a potential broad-based slowdown in external demand, which may persist until a more favourable trade agreement is

Trade uncertainties weigh on growth prospects – July 2025 – Summary Read More »

2H2025 Outlook: Growth to moderate amid trade risks and policy uncertainty – 2025 – Summary

Summary  Global growth is expected to moderate in 2H2025, as trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties weigh on sentiment. The reintroduction of broad-based US tariffs has reignited protectionist risks, creating headwinds globally. MARC Ratings forecasts Malaysia’s economy to grow by 4.4% in 2025, down from 5.1% in 2024, supported by strong private consumption, robust tourism activity,

2H2025 Outlook: Growth to moderate amid trade risks and policy uncertainty – 2025 – Summary Read More »

First foreign equity inflow in months signals a turnaround in risk appetite – June 2025 – Summary

Summary Headline inflation eased to 1.2% in May (Apr: 1.4%). The decline was driven by softer prices in food and beverages as well as housing, water, electricity and gas, while prices in the transportation sector remained unchanged from April amid lower global oil prices. Looking ahead, inflation may edge higher due to the 8% Sales

First foreign equity inflow in months signals a turnaround in risk appetite – June 2025 – Summary Read More »

Malaysia’s bond inflows surge, equity outflows ease – May 2025 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s export performance strengthened in April, rising by 16.4% (Mar: 6.8%). This was supported by a 19.0% surge in manufacturing exports, led by strong gains in electrical and electronic (E&E) products, and machinery & equipment. The front-loading of exports after the 90-day tariff pause announcement boosted trade flows, with early gains helping to cushion

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Tariff tensions drive flight to safety, fuelling bond inflows – April 2025 – Summary

Summary Malaysia’s economy is expected to grow by 4.4% in 1Q2025, although moderating from 5.0% in the previous quarter. The growth in the first quarter was attributable to resilient domestic demand and construction activity that offset weaker performance in mining and manufacturing. The ringgit rebounded in April after initially weakening on tariff-related fears, supported by

Tariff tensions drive flight to safety, fuelling bond inflows – April 2025 – Summary Read More »