Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Malaysia’s central bank has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast to 4%–4.8%, down from its earlier estimate of 4.5%–5.5%, citing rising global trade and tariff uncertainties. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) stated that while the domestic economy remains resilient, external factors—particularly shifting trade policies—pose significant downside risks to growth.
Headline inflation for 2025 is projected to average between 1.5% and 2.3%, aligning with BNM’s expectations for moderate price pressures. The central bank highlighted that its updated projections factor in multiple scenarios, ranging from persistently high tariffs to potential breakthroughs in trade negotiations that could ease global supply chain pressures.
A key concern is Malaysia’s looming 25% tariff on exports to the United States if no agreement is reached by August 1. The country’s trade minister confirmed that negotiations with Washington are ongoing, with progress reported despite unresolved issues related to non-tariff barriers. The outcome of these talks will be critical for Malaysia’s export-reliant economy, which is closely tied to global manufacturing and electronics supply chains.
BNM emphasized that Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong but warned that external shocks—such as prolonged tariff disputes or slowing global demand—could weigh on growth momentum. The bank’s cautious stance reflects broader uncertainty in the global economy, which is also grappling with shifting trade alliances and inflation dynamics.
Investors and businesses are closely monitoring developments, particularly any signals from Washington regarding tariff relief. A favorable resolution could boost Malaysia’s trade outlook, while prolonged disputes risk dampening export earnings and broader economic expansion in the second half of 2025.
This revision underscores the growing impact of global trade tensions on emerging markets and highlights the need for diversified growth strategies.
