Morning Brief

The KL REIT Index has risen 8% year-to-date outperforming the KLCI. To see if there are any legs left in this sector, we speak to Ng Bei Shan, Analyst with MIDF Research, for her views and also her top picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KL REIT Index has risen 8% year-to-date outperforming the KLCI. To see if there are any legs left in this sector, we speak to Ng Bei Shan, Analyst with MIDF Research, for her views and also her top picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Democratic Debates are heating up, with all of the top contenders set to take the stage together at the party's third primary debate. Who will finally be given the party ticket?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retail industry is one that has seen significant change and disruption with the rise of e-commerce and technology. Independent retail research firm Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) has revised downward its retail sales growth forecast for 2019, to 4.4% from 4.9% estimated in June. We speak to Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia for some insight into their forecast on the retail sector  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expected, Bank Negara decided on Thursday to maintain the OPR at 3%. We speak to Julia Goh, Senior Economist with UOB Bank, to find out the reasons why and what else we can expect from Budget 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Central Banks cuts rates even lower to -0.5% with Mario Draghi, the President having to face opposition from the "northern" bloc. We ask Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA if the infinite quantitative easing and negative interest rates will help resuscitate the European economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Central Banks cuts rates even lower to -0.5% with Mario Draghi, the President having to face opposition from the "northern" bloc. We ask Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA if the infinite quantitative easing and negative interest rates will help resuscitate the European economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks like it is back to the drawing board for Axiata with the failure of the non-cash merger with Telenor. So we speak to Tan J Young, Senior Analyst with Hong Leong Investment Bank, to find out what options Axiata has now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, Crown Prince Mohamed Salman stripped a once-trusted adviser, Khalid Al Falih from his position as the Energy Minister. It is speculated that Falih was not very supportive of Aramco’s IPO plans. In his place, the Crown Prince appointed a half brother, Prince Abdul Aziz as the Energy Minister. If the IPO goes ahead, Saudi Aramco would be valued as high as 2 trillion US dollars, making it the largest listed company in the world. We speak to Rob Barnett, Senior Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for some insight into how these developments could impact the oil markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite gains in manufacturing, the sluggish outlook from the Industrial Production Index reflects concerns over slowing global growth. With September's monetary policy meeting decision out later today, we ask if Bank Negara is likely to lower the rates like many of the central banks in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite gains in manufacturing, the sluggish outlook from the Industrial Production Index reflects concerns over slowing global growth. With September's monetary policy meeting decision out later today, we ask if Bank Negara is likely to lower the rates like many of the central banks in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FDIs are usually known to be productive for a country's economy but a recent study done by the IMF reveals that 40 % of the global FDI are in fact "Phantom FDIs".  For more insights, we speak to Alex Cobham, Chief Executive of the Tax Justice Network, an international advocacy network dedicated to tax reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has cancelled negotiation plans with the Taliban, ostensibly following an attack in Kabul last week which killed one US soldier and 11 others. With National Security Adviser John Bolton also out of the White House, what are the prospects now for peace with the Taliban? We speak to Hady Amr, Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is likely to miss the target of 75% insurance ownership by 2020. It is at a mere 55% now or under 35% if you adjust for people owning more than one policy. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the target would be revised. Perhaps, the problem is the practice of selling insurance with bells and whistles which make policies more expensive. This would be a good time to promote vanilla policies which cost only a fraction of current offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirAsia and AirAsia X have been fined RM200,000 for adding processing fees to base fares. While consumer protection is a good thing, will travellers have to brace for such fees translating to higher ticket fares?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unfortunately there appears no respite from the haze with rain only expected in late September. So we speak to Dr Helena Varkkey, Senior Lecturer at University Malaya to find out if the cause is open burning in Indonesia and what the Malaysian government can do to respond to this health crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Principal Asset Management Berhad tells us that Malaysian corporate earnings disappoints again in the 2nd quarter but yet there are still bring spots which includes the REITS, Technology and the Consumer Sector. However the risk remains the US-China trade war and the domestic policy uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Principal Asset Management Berhad tells us that Malaysian corporate earnings disappoints again in the 2nd quarter but yet there are still bring spots which includes the REITS, Technology and the Consumer Sector. However the risk remains the US-China trade war and the domestic policy uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The technology sector has seen one of the largest impacts of the US-China trade war, with tariff salvos from either side rocking the trade landscape.  To give us some insight into the investment situation, we speak to Jonathan Curtis, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Franklin Templeton, about his tech investment strategy, and expectations for the 5G ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:05 - In the first half of this year, EPF has received dividends amounting to RM1.56 billion, from 10 of the companies in its portfolio. 5:32 - Airasia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has taken aim once again at MAVCOM, over allegedly bureaucratic policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New appointments to the public service may no longer be made under the permanent and pension schemes, as the government has now announced a contractual scheme instead. For more insight, we speak to Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, ASLI, for a look at how attractive this scheme will be, as well as its feasibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bereft of monetary policy options to kickstart growth, incoming ECB President Christine Lagarde wants richer, lower-deficit northern nations to open their coffers with fiscal spending measures. The only thing lacking? Details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bereft of monetary policy options to kickstart growth, incoming ECB President Christine Lagarde wants richer, lower-deficit northern nations to open their coffers with fiscal spending measures. The only thing lacking? Details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Carrie Lam's decision to withdraw a controversial extradition bill too little, too late? We speak to Sonny Lo, political commentator, about the move, other demands made by protesters, as well as the situation on the ground in Hong Kong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sources say the cabinet has scrapped the PDP model for the RM16.5 billion Pan-Borneo Highway, which means that the RM907 million that would have flowed to Najib Razak confidante Tan Sri Bustari Yusof no longer accrues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sources say the cabinet has scrapped the PDP model for the RM16.5 billion Pan-Borneo Highway, which means that the RM907 million that would have flowed to Najib Razak confidante Tan Sri Bustari Yusof no longer accrues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the duty of the government to create employment for the nation regardless of age according to the MTUC. In this vein, the lifting of the retirement age should not cannibalise jobs for the young.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration began collecting 15 percent tariffs on more than 125 billion dollars worth of Chinese imports. China on the other hand increased duties of between 5 percent to 10 percent on a variety of major American exports. As both sides continue to fan the flames, is there still a chance we will see deescalation any time soon? And how does this affect the rest of us in Asia?  We speak to Ross Cameron, fund manager and head of Japan for Northcape Capital on his insights.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration began collecting 15 percent tariffs on more than 125 billion dollars worth of Chinese imports. China on the other hand increased duties of between 5 percent to 10 percent on a variety of major American exports. As both sides continue to fan the flames, is there still a chance we will see deescalation any time soon? And how does this affect the rest of us in Asia?  We speak to Ross Cameron, fund manager and head of Japan for Northcape Capital on his insights.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Nielsen Global Consumer Loyalty Survey has found that consumer trends are changing, with more options now in the market to choose from coupled with rising cost of living. For more on this, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about how Malaysian consumer loyalty compares to the rest of the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Nielsen Global Consumer Loyalty Survey has found that consumer trends are changing, with more options now in the market to choose from coupled with rising cost of living. For more on this, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about how Malaysian consumer loyalty compares to the rest of the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boris Johnson's grip is slipping on his own party, as 21 Tory MPs sided with the opposition to take control of the parliamentary agenda. This means, they can now bring forward a bill seeking to delay the UK's exit date from the EU. For more insight, we speak to Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Queen Mary University of London, about the potential outcome of a snap election, as well as how the EU would respond to a UK election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019 UPSR or the national Standard 6 exams kicks off and the Education Ministry has stated that a total of about 445,000 candidates have registered to sit for the exam.Earlier in August, the National Union of the Teaching Profession Peninsular Malaysia (NUTP) renewed calls for the examination to be abolished, as part of an effort to move away from an exam-oriented education system.Its secretary-general, Harry Tan said abolishing the primary school level assessment test could lighten the burden and stress on pupils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the impending start of construction for Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan, we speak to Alden Iswanto, Analyst, KRA Group about the cost of the project, and what it will mean for MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the impending start of construction for Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan, we speak to Alden Iswanto, Analyst, KRA Group about the cost of the project, and what it will mean for MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Indonesia’s population expected to grow to 269 million by 2030, millennials will become an increasingly important segment of consumers. For more insight, we speak to Enrico Tanuwidjaja, Economist, UOB Indonesia, about Indonesian private consumption, millennial spending patterns, and what goes into IMHENRY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Indonesia’s population expected to grow to 269 million by 2030, millennials will become an increasingly important segment of consumers. For more insight, we speak to Enrico Tanuwidjaja, Economist, UOB Indonesia, about Indonesian private consumption, millennial spending patterns, and what goes into IMHENRY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Indonesia’s population expected to grow to 269 million by 2030, millennials will become an increasingly important segment of consumers. For more insight, we speak to Enrico Tanuwidjaja, Economist, UOB Indonesia, about Indonesian private consumption, millennial spending patterns, and what goes into IMHENRY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:05 - The Selangor state government has decided to withhold necessary approvals for developers who do not meet its affordable housing quota. According to the state government, any developments approved by its local councils, are required to prioritise the construction of affordable units. The state government has said that the option has always been available, adding that this action is a ‘last resort’ as Selangor has fixed a ratio of between 15% and 40% of each development be made up of affordable housing 4:40 - Human Resource Minister Kula Segaran is for studying MTUC’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65, and introduce the monthly cost of living allowance of RM500 or more for private sector employees. Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq on the other hand has disagreed and insisted that priority should be on jobs for young people and promotion based on merit not ageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:05 - The Selangor state government has decided to withhold necessary approvals for developers who do not meet its affordable housing quota. According to the state government, any developments approved by its local councils, are required to prioritise the construction of affordable units. The state government has said that the option has always been available, adding that this action is a ‘last resort’ as Selangor has fixed a ratio of between 15% and 40% of each development be made up of affordable housing 4:40 - Human Resource Minister Kula Segaran is for studying MTUC’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65, and introduce the monthly cost of living allowance of RM500 or more for private sector employees. Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq on the other hand has disagreed and insisted that priority should be on jobs for young people and promotion based on merit not ageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RapidKL's announcement that mini buses will be brought back to address  last mile connectivity to transportation nodes like the MRT is good news. This will be minus the life endangerment of minibuses of old because it will be more pleasant apart from being more efficient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2019 Hays Asia Returnee Report conducted by Hays Asia showed that Malaysians who have studied or worked overseas usually return home to be closer to their families.The report said the biggest challenge that most employers face in recruiting such candidates is a mismatch in expectations in terms of offer packages. This plays into a larger issue of the brain drain problem in Malaysia and has adverse effects on its pull to draw talent or build talent in the country.We speak to Dr. M. Niaz Asadullah, Professor of Economics, Universiti Malaya on his thoughts of what will prevent Malaysians from coming back to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Nitish Bhojnagarwala , Vice President - Senior Credit Officer of Moodys tells us the latest trends with the emergence of new issuers and green sukuk whilst taking a deeper dive on whether Malaysia is at risk of losing its market share. 09:02 - Axiata-Telenor merger still on the cards but roadblocks exist over questions of national self-interest and human resource arise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil shouldn't reject global efforts to help put out the fires in the Amazon. This is because Amazon rainfalls are essential to the local industry. Longer term efforts should focus on more efficient usage of already cleared land to avoid further clearance of the rain forests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court  has been relaunched in a push to get Putrajaya to ratify the Rome Statute. We speak to Andrew Khoo, Human Rights Lawyer, for more on this as well as the effects of pulling out from these international treaties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the Queen to suspend Parliament. As the Queen has now granted that request, Parliament will now have less time to decide on what to do about Brexit— only two and a half weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Erlin Salim, Director of Fitch Ratings, to understand why it revised the outlook on Genting Berhad  from stable to negative. Fitch tells us that with a more aggressive investment strategy, the risk is higher-than-expected leverage and weaker earnings performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa’s calls for a hate speech amendment to be made to the Sedition Act, we speak to Kua Kia Soong, Adviser from SUARAM, about how one legislates against hate speech, as well as the problem of too-broad legislation here in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - The recent glitch in KL International Airport's Total Airport Management System is estimated to have cost millions of ringgit worth of delays. A six member task force has since been created, including members of MAVCOM and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, to investigate. 04:01 - PTPTN has set up incentives for employers to repay PTPTN loans of its employees - we speak to Mastura Mohd Khalid, the COO of PTPTN, for more insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Parti Amanah Negara or Amanah is due to hold its inaugural party polls this year. In the run up to its party polls, the Islamist party is counting on younger members to plot a different political discourse which focuses on a more progressive outlook. It holds the least number of seats (11) in the Dewan Rakyat compared to the other major parties. One leader, Saari Sungip, the Selangor Amanah Deputy Chief says that Amanah needs to focus on “fact-finding exercises” and look beyond “political rhetoric” to move forward. We speak to Amir Fareed, Director of Strategy, at KRA Group on his take of the Parti Amanah’s party polls and direction. 08:59 - Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad confirmed that the government is negotiating another issuance of Samurai bonds. The Japanese government was offering to finance this at a rate lower than 0.65 per cent for the previous issue in March which will be used to repay debt and build infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.