Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.
President Trump is pressing ahead with plans to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations, reversing course after a June Supreme Court rejection of his initial attempt.
Malaysia's economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter, beating expectations and signalling sustained momentum. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marked the occasion with prayers of thanks.
The European Union is moving forward with plans for a digital euro, with formal negotiations beginning this week. The currency could launch by 2029, reshaping how Europeans pay and challenging U.S. payment dominance in the region.
The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to introduce a digital euro, moving forward with plans to create a state-backed electronic currency alternative to American payment platforms dominating European markets.
Research analysts predict Bank Negara Malaysia will keep its overnight policy rate at 2.75 per cent through end-2026, citing improved economic growth prospects and stable inflation expectations across Malaysia's key sectors.
Malaysia's economic outlook has strengthened significantly, with MBSB Investment Bank upgrading its 2026 GDP forecast to 4.5 per cent from 4.2 per cent. Strong export performance and resilient domestic demand underpin the revision, while the central bank is expected to maintain interest rates at 2.75 per cent.
CIMB Treasury forecasts Bank Negara Malaysia will hold the overnight policy rate at 2.75% this Thursday, citing reduced inflation risks from falling global oil prices and the BUDI Diesel programme implementation.
A softer-than-expected US jobs report has triggered the dollar's largest weekly decline since April, easing pressure on the Japanese yen and lifting major currencies including the euro and sterling.
Japan's currency has weakened to its lowest level in nearly four decades, trading past 162 yen per US dollar. Despite government warnings of possible intervention, market players expect further pressure as US interest rates remain elevated.