Malaysia GDP Can Grow Above 5 Pct In 2026, Expectation Not Overly Optimistic - Economist

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Expectations for Malaysia’s economy to grow by more than five per cent in 2026 are not overly optimistic, given its strong first-half performance, resilient global trade and rising foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in data centres, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

Indonesia’s External Debt Rises 4.4 Pct To US$453.4 Bln In Q2 2026 - BI

JAKARTA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s external debt rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to US$453.4 billion (US$1=RM4.05) in the second quarter of 2026, driven by higher public external debt amid a slower contraction in private-sector debt.

MGA Targets RM100 Mln Turnover At Inaugural Malaysia Gold Festival 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Gold Association (MGA) is targeting RM100 million in turnover from the three-day Malaysia Gold Festival (MGF) 2026, scheduled to be held from Sept 18 to 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

1H 2026 Economic Growth Proves Malaysia's Economy Remains Resilient – Amir Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's impressive economic growth in the first half of the year, which exceeded Bank Negara Malaysia's 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) projection of four to five per cent, demonstrates the resilience of the country's economy.

Thailand's Economy Grows 1.9 Pct In 2Q 2026

BANGKOK, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s economy grew 1.9 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q 2026), slowing from 2.8 per cent growth in 1Q 2026, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) report on Monday.

Kuala Lumpur Rubber Market Closes Higher On Regional Gains, El Niño Concerns

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher on Monday, supported by gains in regional rubber futures markets and a firmer El Niño outlook, a dealer said.

IDFC FIRST Bank Receives Inaugural Investment-Grade Ratings From S&P

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- IDFC FIRST Bank, one of India's fast-growing private banks, has received its inaugural international investment-grade issuer credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings, with a ‘BBB-’ long-term rating and ‘A-3’ short-term rating, both with a stable outlook.

Bursa Malaysia Seen Trading In Narrow Range Next Week But With Upside Bias

By Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif & Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade with an upside bias next week but within the narrow range of 1,740-1,750 points.

Gold Futures End Lower For Two Consecutive Days

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower for the second consecutive day as investors digested United States economic data.

Investment Banks Maintain Positive 2026 GDP Growth Forecasts Of 4.8-5.4 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Investment banks remained positive on Malaysia’s economic growth outlook for 2026, forecasting gross domestic product (GDP) growth of between 4.8 and 5.4 per cent.

Economists Upbeat On Malaysia’s 2026 Outlook After 6.0 Pct 2Q GDP Growth

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Economists have raised their growth expectations for Malaysia’s economy in 2026 following the stronger-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) performance in the second quarter (2Q) of 2026.

BNM To Review Macro Data Ahead Of MPC Meeting - BNM Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will review the latest macroeconomic developments ahead of its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in two weeks before deciding its appropriate monetary policy stance.