Higher BI-Rate, Fuel Price Hike Test Indonesia's Economic Balancing Act

By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil

JAKARTA, June 13 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's decision to raise the BI-Rate and increase non-subsidised fuel prices within days highlights the government's effort to support the rupiah and ease fiscal pressures, although the measures are expected to add pressure on households and businesses, analysts say.

South, Southeast Asia Credit Strength Set To Remain Stable Over Next 12-18 Months Despite Strong Greenback

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Overall credit strength across South and Southeast Asia will remain stable over the next 12-18 months, although US dollar strength would weigh on the credit quality for a subset of rated companies with structural currency mismatches, according to Moody’s Ratings.

Rising Credit Commitments Highlight Need For Stronger Financial Awareness Among Middle-income Earners

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Financial commitments linked to credit cards, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) facilities and personal financing are becoming increasingly common among middle-income borrowers, highlighting the need for stronger financial literacy and responsible borrowing practices, according to financial consultancy Bluebricks Holding Sdn Bhd. 

Bank Indonesia sees MSMEs Supported Despite Higher Bi-rate

JAKARTA, May 25 (Bernama) -- Bank Indonesia (BI) said its liquidity support measures and government incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would help cushion the impact of higher borrowing costs following the recent increase in the benchmark BI-Rate.

Ringgit Edges Up Vs Greenback On US-Iran Talks Hope

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar today, supported by optimism that renewed US-Iran talks could ease tensions along key global oil routes.

Strong 2025 Growth Provides Tailwind For Malaysia To Bolster 1Q 2026 Performance - Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic performance last year, which recorded 5.2 per cent growth, is expected to cushion the country against global economic uncertainties and bolster its performance in the first quarter (1Q) of this year, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

BNM Likely To Maintain OPR At 2.75 Pct -- Bank Muamalat

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is likely to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets this Thursday, said Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid.

Rubber Market Ends Higher On Regional Futures Strength, Fed Rate Hold

By K. Naveen Prabu

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher today, supported by an uptrend in the regional rubber futures market, said a dealer.

Bursa Malaysia Opens Higher, Tracking Wall Street Gains

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia edged higher in early trade, following mostly stronger sessions on Wall Street overnight.

Malaysia’s Banking Sector Resilient Amid Tariff Pressures, Expected To Hold Steady In 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s banking sector ended 2025 on a firmer footing, charting steady loan growth, stable asset quality and sustained profitability despite a year clouded by global trade tensions, while the outlook for next year remains steady amid a diversified portfolio.

Maintaining OPR At 2.75 Pct Provides Better Predictability In Borrowing Costs - Economist

By Fatin Umairah Abdul Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Maintaining the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent would provide better predictability in borrowing costs, allowing Malaysians to plan capital expenditures and asset purchases with confidence, said an economist. 

Low OPR Reduces Borrowing Costs, Helps People Own Homes - MoF

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The lower Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) is expected to support homeownership affordability through reduced debt servicing costs, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).