Views

Malaysia’s exports sustained their exceptional momentum in August, rising 45.5% y-o-y to RM191.0 billion (July: 38.0%). Electrical and electronics exports remained the main engine of growth, surging 66.5% to RM92.5 billion, while exports to the US reached a record RM37.5 billion. Although wholesale and retail trade volume growth moderated to 4.1% in July, mainly reflecting

Malaysia’s economy outperformed expectations in 2Q2026, with actual 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 domestic

Malaysia’s economy exceeded expectations in 2Q2026, with the advance estimate showing gross domestic product (GDP) growth accelerating to 5.8% (1Q2026: 5.4%), supported 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 upwards to 5.1% (previously: 4.4%),

Malaysia’s export growth strengthened further to 45.3% in May (Apr: 37.3%), marking a second consecutive month of double-digit expansion. Growth continued to be underpinned by the global semiconductor upcycle and strong demand for AI-related technologies, which drove electrical and electronics (E&E) exports higher by 70.5% (Apr: 46.6%). Trade activity also continued to benefit from supply

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 and

MARC Ratings today published its 2025 Annual Corporate Default and Ratings Transition Study, which tracks corporate ratings assigned by the rating agency since its inception in 1996 through 2025. In 2025, MARC Ratings’ corporate portfolio maintained its record of zero defaults, marking the third consecutive year without any defaults. This reflects MARC Ratings’ portfolio strength,

Malaysia entered 2026 on a firm footing, with advance estimates placing 1Q2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 5.3% (1Q2025: 4.4%; 4Q2025: 6.3%), supported by resilient domestic demand and a sustained manufacturing upcycle. Services expanded by 5.4%, underpinned by consumer spending, while manufacturing accelerated to 5.8% on continued strength in the electrical and electronics (E&E)

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to spillover effects beyond oil price fluctuations, increasing pressure on global supply chains. In March, Brent crude oil prices surged to approximately USD99 per barrel, a significant rise compared to the average of USD69 per barrel recorded in February. Disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, a