The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
The UK's millionaire population has contracted to its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with research showing 442,000 sterling millionaires—a 7% decline from 2024. Higher interest rates and economic pessimism are driving wealth erosion and emigration.
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.
Standard & Poor's has maintained Indonesia's sovereign credit rating at BBB with a stable outlook, reinforcing investor confidence in the Southeast Asian economy's resilience despite recent fiscal and external pressures.
European regulators are finalizing rules for a digital euro, set to launch around 2029. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on U.S. payment firms and provide citizens with direct access to central bank money in electronic form.
The European Parliament has given strong backing to a digital euro initiative, with lawmakers voting 416-169 in favour of developing an electronic currency that will complement traditional cash and challenge American payment dominators.
Research analysts expect Bank Negara Malaysia to keep its overnight policy rate unchanged at 2.75 per cent through the end of 2026, bolstered by Malaysia's improving economic growth prospects and stable inflation outlook.
MBSB Investment Bank has raised its 2026 Malaysia GDP growth forecast to 4.5%, driven by robust export performance and controlled inflation, with analysts expecting Bank Negara to maintain the overnight policy rate at 2.75% throughout the year.
CIMB Treasury forecasts Bank Negara Malaysia will hold the overnight policy rate at 2.75% this week, citing diminished inflation risks from softer global oil prices and the BUDI Diesel programme reducing pressure on Malaysian prices.
Japan's currency weakened to a 39-year low beyond 162 per dollar on Tuesday, driven by anticipated Federal Reserve rate increases and strong dollar demand, despite official warnings of potential intervention.