2Q 2025 GDP Likely To Grow 4.5–5.5 Pct Amid Tariff Rush -- Economists 

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Economists have projected the Malaysian economy to expand between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025), driven partly by increased export demand, especially from the United States (US) importers due to heightened fears of impending tariff in August.

MARC Ratings Projects Malaysian Economy To Grow By 4.4 Pct In 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC Ratings) forecasts the Malaysian economy to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2025, down from 5.1 per cent in 2024, as external trade uncertainties dampen export momentum.

Construction Sector To See Data Centre Contracts Award Upswing In 2H -- HLIB

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s construction sector is forecast to see a data centre (DC) award cycle in the second half of the year, driven by multiple contract decisions on tenders submitted in the first half of 2025 (1H 2025), according to Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB).

Manulife IM Expects Ringgit To Strengthen On Asian Market Gains

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Global asset manager Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) expects the ringgit to strengthen against the US dollar in the second half of 2025 (2H2025), supported by gains in Asian markets.

Manulife Sees Possible Further OPR Cuts For Malaysia In 2H2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) expects Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to reduce its Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) further in the second half of 2025 (2H2025) amid shifting global and domestic dynamics, supported by ongoing investor interest in the country’s bonds and currency market. 

BNM Expected To Hold Rates Steady Through 2025 After OPR Cut – Investment Banks

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Public Investment Bank Bhd (Public IB) expects Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to hold interest rates steady for the remainder of 2025, following the recent overnight policy rate (OPR) cut.

Global Economy To Slowdown In 2H Due To US Tariff Impact -- CGS International

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- The global economy is expected to face a slowdown in the second half (2H) of 2025 as tariffs imposed on the United States’ (US) trading partners have impacted all economic actors, according to CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CGS MY).

Data Centre's Robust Expansion To Drive Electricity Demand – Kenanga IB

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The robust expansion of data centres (DCs) is expected to drive electricity demand, which in turn will increase the need for power generation and gas consumption, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga Research).

Weak US Dollar May Slow Tech Sector Recovery In 2h 2025 - CIMB Securities

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd expects further US dollar depreciation to weigh on the technology sector’s recovery in the second half of 2025.

HLIB Sees BNM Cutting OPR By 25 Bps In 2H 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain a cautious stance and cut the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points in the second half of 2025, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) said, citing mixed monetary signals, persistent trade policy uncertainty, and subdued inflation.

MIDF Amanah: Strait Of Hormuz Closure Poses Limited Risk To Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the recent Iranian parliamentary vote poses limited risk to Malaysia, said MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd.

HLIB Expects Fiscal Deficit To Narrow To 3.8 Pct in 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) expects the fiscal deficit to be narrowed to 3.8 per cent this year (2024: -4.1 per cent), as announced in Budget 2025.