Morning Brief

Although the inflation rate is slowly moderating, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli believes that consumers can do more to arrest price increases. He recently singled out restaurant dining as one of the main contributors to inflation and urged customers to make educated purchases. Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams weighs in on how smart consumerism can temper inflation as well as other policies the government can consider.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OCBC is forecasting global growth to come in slightly below 2% for 2023. However its likely to be a tale of 2 halves with a better second half thanks to Federal Reserve inching close to the terminal rate. Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC tells why she has this view.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The announcement of Jacinda Ardern's resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand surprised political observers both locally and abroad. What legacy does she leave behind and can her successor Chris Hipkins lead the Labour party to victory when Kiwis vote in the October general elections? Grant Duncan of Massey University weighs in on the political outlook of the country.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss what’s ahead for Hong Kong equities in the coming year with Peter Lewis, Founder & Director, Peter Lewis Consulting in Hong Kong.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, 1650 cars were stolen which is actually a decline from 2020 but most are still avoidable. Daniel Fernandez, Managing Director, at online car portal, dsf.my gives us the reason why this remains an issue in Malaysia with the onset of new scams.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia surprised markets by keeping the overnight policy rate at 2.75 percent yesterday. It revealed that data showed Malaysia recorded economic expansion in the last quarter of 2022 and headline inflation moderated slightly from high levels in recent months. However, with the FED still sticking to its hawkish stance, will we see BNM hiking the OPR in the coming months? For answers, we speak Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB Malaysia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selangor Menteri Besar recently announced plans to establish a Greater Klang Valley area comprising 4 cities in Selangor within the next decade. These four cities are Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang, which is still a municipality currently. What is driving this initiative and are there any synergies to be derived? For insights, we speak to Cha-Ly Koh, CEO & Founder, Urbanmetry.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Chan, Equity Research Associate CLSA helps us navigate CLSA's 2023 tongue in cheek Feng Shui Guide as we understand the months, sectors and asset classes that will likely outperform for the different element and zodiac signs.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six states that did not hold concurrent elections during the 15th general election last November must do so this year as their five-year mandate comes to an end. Aside from the dates, all eyes are on Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as to whether their cooperation at the federal level will continue in these state polls. But can a collaboration be strong enough to take on Perikatan Nasional? For some answers, we speak to Adib Zalkapli, Director, BowerGroupAsia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since late November 2022, share prices of Wynn Macau, MGM China Holdings and Sands China have risen sharply due to the award of new licenses to the city’s existing casinos. This outperformance continued with China reopening its borders on January 8. But can the gaming industry reach pre-pandemic levels this year and what casino stocks should investors be focusing on - VIP or Mass? For insights, we speak to Angela Han Lee, Senior Equity Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A total of 3.8 million vehicles are expected to use expressways this Chinese New Year but with 4000 fatalities registered just from January to September last year, how can we make our roads safer? Professor Dr Kulanthayan Mani, Head of Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Research Group under the Department of Community Health at Universiti Putra Malaysia tells us.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a year of volatile commodity prices, no thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war and an uncertain economic outlook. But will 2023 have a more positive outlook on the back of China's reopening and which metals should shine this year? Daniel Hynes, Senior Commodity Strategist from ANZ answers those questions. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his cabinet had a one day' working retreat aimed at strengthening cooperation and unity among the ministers taking a cue from companies where for some it was an annual or even bi-annual affair. However before embarking on one, what are the critical questions that should be asked to ensure efficacy? Indira Nair, Communications Coach tells us.Image credit: TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting starts today and will continue tomorrow. Most economists are expecting a 25 bp increase bringing the OPR to 3.0%. Another key event to watch is the tabling of a revised Budget on February 24 where the Prime Minister Anwar's statement that the national debt including liabilities has reached 1.5 trillion Ringgit. This may provide some clues on the direction of the Budget. How will this impact Bank Negara Malaysia's monetary policy direction? For insights, we speak to Abdul Mui'zz Morhalim, economist, MIDF research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest negatively impacted sectors from the pandemic was property which saw sales and launches decline. Recovery was seen in 2021 and also last year but still below pre-pandemic levels. Chan Ai Cheng, President, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents tell us if recovery is in view for 2023 despite the economic slowdown and rising interest rates.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister and his cabinet attended a one day retreat to bolster consensus and solidarity among Ministers whilst discussing the future direction of the government and set KPIs for each ministry. Such a retreat appears imperative as the government comprises parties that contested against each other at GE 15. Additionally, with six state elections due this year, Anwar’s ministers will have to strategize how to work together to show a united and stable federal government. But how will the KPIs be set? What should the priorities be, especially since the rakyat’s patience may wear thin if no results are forthcoming soon. For some thoughts on this we have with us Tricia Yeoh, CEO, IDEAS.Image credit: TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are strong expectations that the average Chinese consumer will be back with a vengeance with the relaxation of Covid-19 restriction and the opening of borders effective January 8. But this reopening has not been without its headwinds as we have seen higher hospitalisation rates and also deaths in China. China remains a crucial market for categories geared toward consumers with higher incomes on the back of rising affluence. But with a still uncertain environment and fluid nature of this reopening, how should investors be positioning for stocks within the consumer sector? For insights, we have Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Umno General Assembly concluded last Saturday where nearly 3,000 delegates convened and heard from party leaders on the future direction of the party. The biggest development was the passing of a resolution to not have the party’s top two positions open for contest in its upcoming election. But will this sit well with the grassroots and can this party recover from their poor performance at GE15. Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, Asia Research Centre, University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us her views.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government said it may consider a ban on exporting palm oil to the EU in response to the bloc’s latest lawwhich bans imports of grown on deforested land including palm oil and its derivatives. Dr. Sathia Varqa, co-founder, Palm Oil Analytics tells us what this means for CPO prices and will such a ban work.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was the era of the King Dollar led by the aggressive rate hiking cycle of 425 bps by the Fed. But there are expectations of the Fed being at the tail end of its hiking cycle and also supported by the modest inflation print for December. The Bloomberg dollar index is down 2% YTD. With this, we have seen Asia currencies appreciate across the board. What does this mean for the global currency outlook in 2023? For answers we speak to Jeff Ng, Senior Currency Analyst, MUFG.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sri Lanka’s critical debt restructuring is facing further delays as China and India has yet to formally agree to a write-down of their loans. The IMF will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's debt and this would delay the bailout that Sri Lanka was supposed to get. We speak to Anushka Wijesinha of the think tank Centre for a Smart Future for some thoughts.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US inflation print was released yesterday where core inflation came in at 5.7%, which points to signs of interest peaking and reaching a point of stability. This may be the much needed inflection point for fixed income and drive interest in this asset class. With the era of the King Dollar likely behind us and we get closer to the terminal Fed Funds Rate will emerging market bonds outperform developed market bonds? Additionally, should it be investment grade or high yielding? For insights, we speak to Ang Beng Kuan, Head, Fund Management Hong Leong Islamic Asset Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1959, Malaysia has seen 14 single coalition simple majority governments until the fateful GE15 that resulted in a hung parliament for the first time in our history. And after what seemed like a very long 5 days from the time we voted, the political uncertainty ended with the country’s five major parties, PH, BN, GPS, GRS and Warisan agreed to a coalition government. But is a hung parliament negative for a democracy and should there be a relook at our electoral system? For some answers we speak to Dr Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shortage of workers which is still plaguing many local industries. Recently, the Home minister said that employers applying for foreign workers from 15 countries will be able to get their applications approved within three days. This is limited to seven sectors and employers are now precluded from going through pre-conditional hiring qualification and quota eligibility. While this may be a welcome move, it is still a short term solution. Hence, what are some of the longer term measures the government should be looking at? For insights, we speak to Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of Malaysia Employers Federation.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At GE15, UMNO had its worst performance, winning just 26 seats. With that, at its General Assembly, how much soul searching will take place and will there be a leadership challenge? Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow of the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research tells us what to expect.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 saw the selloff of most asset classes, no thanks to the Federal Reserve adopting a very hawkish monetary policy. And with the IMF warning that the global economy will slow in 2023, what are the investment opportunities and how important is it to stay invested? This conversation is brought to you by Standard Chartered Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas saw over 3,200 exhibitors from 173 countries showcasing their latest innovations. From Samsung’s bending display to a robot mechanised for elderly care and a slew of electric vehicles, the event is seen to highlight the tech trends that'll shape 2023 and beyond. The question is what innovations will see commercial value and perhaps be the killer application that propels the earnings of tech companies? For insights, we have with us Daniel Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the opening ceremony for the 2023 legal year in Putrajaya, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said that she welcomes improvements or amendments to the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 to ensure it is completely independent of the executive body.  Dato' Mah Weng Kwai, Former Commissioner of SUHAKAM,  who also served as Judge at the Court of Appeal gives us his opinion on this matter.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have reports of train services being delayed and breakdowns are frequent while trains are often packed to the brim at peak hours. In response to this,  Prasarana Malaysia will spend a total of 2.8 billion ringgit to improve train and bus services which also replacing train equipment and increasing the number of trains and buses to improve frequency. But is this 2.8 billion ringgit allocation adequate and will it solve the current public transport woes? For some answers we speak to Dr Rosli Azad, Transport Consultant.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a challenging year for most asset classes but in this late cycle, what are the investment opportunities? Alessia Berardi, Head of Emerging Macro and Strategy Research at Amundi gives us her outlook including monetary policy direction for key central banks in light of the stubbornly high inflation.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing is certain except death and taxes, famous last words by Benjamin Franklin which is a timely reminder to discuss what are the new taxes to be aware of in 2023. We check in with Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Institute of Accountants to find out whilst discussing tax reform that Malaysia needs as the tabling of Budget 2023 draws close.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his two-day official visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Joko Widodo has met its objectives. Various issues were addressed including matters involving the economy and bilateral investments. Anwar also witnessed the exchange of nine MOUs involving Malaysian companies and also letters of intents. So how will Anwar improve bilateral relations between the two countries and does this reflect on Anwar’s foreign policy strategy at large? For insights, we speak to Bunn Nagara, Honorary Research Fellow, Perak Academy.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, supporters of Brazil’s far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro invaded the country’s Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court. Parallels are being drawn to the 6th January attacks in the US which then begs the question, how polarised is South America's largest economy and what precipitated these attacks? Questions we pose to Clara Ferreira Marques, Columnist at Bloomberg Opinion.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us a run down of the political crisis taking place in Sabah after a majority of BN assemblymen led by Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar, withdrew support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Friday.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With inflation increasing by 4% year-on-year and food inflation continuing to be the main driver in November, we ask Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Bank Islam Malaysia on the likely response by BNM and how will this impact the lower income group and ailing businesses.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After three long years, checkpoints at the Hong Kong China border reopened yesterday. Businesses and residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the cost of separation has been huge. Natixis SA, an Investment Bank estimates Hong Kong’s economy lost $27 billion in potential growth. We speak to their economist, Gary Ng for an outlook.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic landslide at Batang Kali last month highlighted the dearth of regulatory oversight on campsites and recreational venues in the country. With landslides becoming increasingly common especially after heavy rains, what should be included in these guidelines and how can the government better regulate outdoor activities without restricting business and leisure? Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet the Sarawak Premier and the Sabah Chief Minister in their first meeting of the MA63 Implementation Action Council. But what is the federal government’s commitment to resolve MA63 issues? Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Officer, Institute for Development Studies tells us whilst reminding us what the pending issues are.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The appointment of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives is typically a formality; the party with majority seats in the house votes for their chosen candidate with relative ease. Yet, although Republicans have a slim majority in the House, holding 222 seats vs Democrats’ 212, they have been unable to build consensus around the party’s Speaker candidate, Kevin McCarthy. Public opinion pollster John Zogby explains the impasse in the Republican party, and the implications for US politics and policymaking.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia grew to a record RM861 billion at the end of 3Q23, with the US as the second largest investor contributing 12%. However with a global recession potentially on the horizon, will investors remain upbeat on Malaysia? Siobhan Das of AMCHAM weighs in on business sentiment among its members and their policy wishlist for the government.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been public outcry over the decision by the Petaling Jaya City Council to introduce a 90 sen charge for non-Malaysians who use the PJ City Bus service beginning January 15th. Adrian Pereira, Director of the North South Initiative, a social justice advocacy group tells us the wider implications of this move.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, initial hopes for a revival of the stalled nuclear deal between the West and Iran were dashed, with Tehran instead coming under further western sanctions for supplying arms to Russia. Tehran is also grappling with a protest movement that’s described as the biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. Meanwhile in Israel, a new government has been sworn in, helmed by an old hand, Benjamin Netanyahu. However the presence of far-right groups in the government that have many fearing actions that could inflame tensions with Palestine. Middle East expert Dr James Dorsey gives us an overview of what to watch on these international fronts.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 saw the revival of the aviation and tourism sector with the loosening of border restrictions spurring the demand for revenge travel. However this was not without turbulence and is 2023 the year where travel returns to pre-pandemic levels? Hannah Pearson, Founder, Pear Anderson tells us whilst also giving us her views as to whether Malaysia will be a top tourist destination in this region.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Budget 2023 that’s due to be tabled in February, opposition MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim recently groused about the long-standing issue of unequal allocation for parliamentarians across the aisle. How should the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) mechanism be reformed to avoid the political resentment and patronage issues of the present system? We get policy recommendations from Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia.Image credit: Laboo Studio / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the festive season extending from Christmas right into Chinese New Year this month, retailers anticipate that consumer activity will remain high going into the Year of the Rabbit. However with labour shortage still affecting many sectors in Malaysia and worries of inflation this year, will the next few weeks set the tone for the rest of the retail year? Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, managing director of hypermarket Mydin gives us his outlook.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world's 2nd largest economy readies for a reopening, how should Malaysia prepare for the influx of Chinese tourists especially since there are reports of high covid cases in their country? Dr Khoo Yoong Khean, Scientific Officer, Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness gives us those answers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sale of the KL Tower concession from TM to little known entity Hydroshoppe Sdn. Bhd. for RM3.8 million has drawn scrutiny, given that the business made an annual profit to the tune of RM20 million in 2019. Business commentator P. Gunasegaram gives us a breakdown on the corruption concerns that this deal raises.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a rocky year for all key members of ASEAN with the lingering effects from the COVID-19 variant of Omicron, the Russia-Ukraine war and rising inflation globally. As we start the new year in 2023 with the US and EU likely heading for a recession, coupled with an abrupt reopening by China and a likely surge in tourist arrivals, what does this hold for Asean economies and currencies? Also, which countries look most resilient and are poised to benefit the most? For insights, we speak to Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ Bank.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia’s core inflation remaining high, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has called for a collective effort to battle inflation. Recently, he has received flak for stating consumers are partly to be blamed for high food prices, and for suggesting them to avoid buying staple food such as chicken when food prices go up. However, is this the right advice for consumers feeling pinched by rising food prices? We speak to Dr Geoffrey Williams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology, for some answers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a surprising move, China overturned its zero Covid policy by removing almost all the restrictions, including reopening its borders. However, this coincides with a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in China. Countries such as the US, Italy, Japan and India have taken preemptive measures to contain the spread of the virus by announcing test requirements for inbound travellers from China. How impactful would international travel restrictions be on the spreading of Covid-19, and are there other policies that should be considered by governments? We speak to Prof. Ben Cowling, Chair of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, for answers.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.