FBM KLCI Futures Likely To Trade In Cautious Mode Next Week

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives is expected to remain in consolidation mode next week, in line with the cautious tone in the cash market.

European Central Bank Leaves Rates Unchanged Amidst Heightened Geopolitical Tensions

FRANKFURT, March 20 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday kept key interest rates unchanged as heightened geopolitical tensions weigh on the outlook of inflation and economy in the euro area, reported Xinhua.

Indonesia To Boost Coal Output As Oil Prices Surge

JAKARTA, March 20 (Bernama) -- Indonesia plans to increase coal production in response to rising global oil prices, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.

IMF Warns Prolonged Energy Price Surge Could Lift Inflation

ISTANBUL, March 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday that a sustained rise in energy prices stemming from the war in West Asia could push global inflation higher and weigh on economic output.

Asian Shares Plunge As Iran Conflict Worsens

BEIJING, March 19 (Bernama-dpa-AFX) -- Asian stocks nosedived on Thursday as rising oil prices following attacks on key energy infrastructure in West Asia rekindled concerns about inflation, interest rates, and the regional growth outlook, reported dpa-AFX.

CPO Prices To Stay Above RM4,450 Per Tonne In Near Term Amid Geopolitical Uncertainties - MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) prices are expected to remain above RM4,450 in the near term, supported by elevated energy prices and a favourable palm oil-gasoil (POGO) spread, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

Malaysia’s Macro Position Is Stronger To Weather Shock Compared To Pandemic Era, Says World Bank's Apurva

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s stronger ringgit is helping to ease the impact of rising global import prices, although the country’s import cover has declined, compared with pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels, said the World Bank's lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi.

ECB To Announce Interest Rate Decision Amid Iran Conflict, Oil Price Surge

FRANKFURT, March 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to announce its latest decision on interest rates on Wednesday against the backdrop of surging oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Ringgit Up Against Major Currencies, Softens Vs Greenback At Open

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened higher against major currencies but eased against the US dollar this morning as cautious global sentiment continued to weigh on emerging market currencies.

Oil May Rise On Conflict, Fall To US$80-US$90 If War Ends By Mid-April

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Crude oil prices can go even higher than current levels of US$100-US$103 per barrel if the war in West Asia continues affecting passageway in the Strait of Hormuz and supply tightness becomes more acute, Kpler senior crude oil analyst Muyu Xu said today.

Malaysia's Targeted Subsidies Expected To Moderate Inflation Pressure Amid West Asia Conflict, Says MARC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s headline inflation is expected to remain manageable, supported by the government’s targeted subsidies, amid the West Asia conflict, according to the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC).

Petronas Recognises Sabah’s Growing Role In Malaysia’s OGSE Sector

KOTA KINABALU, March 18 (Bernama) -- Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) recognises Sabah’s growing role in Malaysia’s oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector, as part of broader collaborative efforts to strengthen the state’s contribution to national energy security and economic development.