The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
Global financial markets face a busy week ahead despite August's usually quieter trading patterns, with currency interventions, inflation data, and Middle East developments commanding investor attention across multiple regions.
Japan's yen briefly strengthened past 158 per dollar on July 31, raising questions about potential government intervention. The move follows weeks of weakness and comes as Tokyo signals ambitious fiscal spending plans.
The US dollar has climbed to its strongest level against the yen in nearly 40 years, trading above 163 yen despite Japan signalling readiness to intervene. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia and expectations of higher Fed interest rates are driving dollar strength.
The ringgit depreciated against the US dollar on Friday despite gaining against other major currencies, as the Trump administration announced new tariffs targeting Malaysia and 59 other economies, prompting risk-averse market positioning.