Credit Quality Of Business Loans Has Improved, Says BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The overall credit quality of business borrowings improved in the second half (2H) of 2025 with no notable divergence in trends across segments and sectors as shares of impaired loans and loans with increased credit risk for overall businesses improved to 2.8 per cent and 10.7 per cent, respectively.

Headline Inflation To Stay Moderate At 1.5 Pct- 2.5 Pct In 2026 - BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Headline inflation is expected to remain moderate, averaging between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent in 2026 despite greater global commodity price volatility amid the West Asia conflict, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

BNM Reduces OPR To 2.75 Pct In July 2025 To Ensure Policy Support In Place Amid Challenging Global Environment

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- While the domestic economy was on solid footing in 2025, global developments posed greater downside risks to Malaysia’s growth outlook, prompting Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to make the pre-emptive decision to reduce the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent in July last year.

Malaysia’s Banking System Remains Resilient Under Stress Scenarios - BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s banking system is expected to remain resilient even under severe macroeconomic stress scenarios, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Malaysia In Position Of Strength Amid West Asia Conflict – BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) --  Malaysia is in a position of strength as it faces oil price shocks following the West Asia conflict, supported by robust domestic demand, moderate inflation, a sound financial sector and a resilient external position.

 Malaysia’s Economy To Grow 4-5 Pct In 2026 Backed By Domestic Resilience

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed and Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) estimates Malaysia’s economy to grow between four per cent and five per cent this year compared with 5.2 per cent registered in 2025, with the country’s domestic resilience and diversified export structure continuing to provide buffer to navigate the current external headwinds mainly from conflict in West Asia.

AM Best Affirms Excellent Ratings Of Nan Shan General

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Taiwan’s Nan Shan General Insurance Co Ltd (Nan Shan General), with a stable outlook.

European Stocks Close On Strong Note On Hopes Of US-Iran Peace Deal

FRANKFURT, March 26 (Bernama-dpa-AFX) -- European stocks closed on a strong note on Wednesday, as the mood turned a bit bullish amid some hopes of a de-escalation in tensions in West Asia, dpa-AFX reported. 

Fertiliser Supply Risks Threaten Southeast Asia Grain Output, Malaysia Seen As Resilient - BMI

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- The risk of reduced application rates for 2026/2027 grain crops across Southeast Asia is increasing, particularly as key application windows approach, posing downside risks to production, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.

Markets In Dire Need Of Credible Signalling From Trump - Economists

By Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Global markets, including the stock and currency markets in Malaysia, urgently require clear and consistent signals from United States President Donald Trump to achieve a sustained de-escalation of the conflict in West Asia and restore stability, said economists.

AM Best Upgrades Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating Of Hanoi Re

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- AM Best has upgraded Hanoi Reinsurance Joint Stock Corporation (Hanoi Re) long-term issuer credit rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” (Good) from “bbb” (Good) and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Vietnam National Scale Rating (NSR) of aaa.VN (Exceptional).

AM Best Affirms PVI Insurance’s Top-Tier Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent), the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent), and the Vietnam National Scale Rating of aaa.VN (Exceptional) for PVI Insurance Corporation (PVI Insurance), with a stable outlook.