Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Malaysia is likely to lower its 2025 GDP growth forecast of 4.5% to 5.5% due to rising trade tensions and looming U.S. tariffs, according to Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. Speaking at an IMF event in Washington, he emphasized that while a revision is not immediate, the government is closely monitoring global trade developments before making any adjustments.
The country is facing a potential 24% tariff on goods exported to the United States starting in July, unless a trade deal is reached. In response, Malaysia’s trade minister and second finance minister are currently in the U.S. for high-level discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative and other key officials.
Despite external uncertainties, Abdul Rasheed remains confident in Malaysia’s economic resilience, citing stronger-than-expected GDP growth of 5.1% in 2024, robust domestic demand, a rebound in exports, and an uptick in investment activities. These factors, he noted, give Malaysia a “position of strength” as it navigates global economic headwinds.
The central bank’s current interest rate of 3% remains supportive of growth, with inflation deemed manageable. Abdul Rasheed stressed that monetary policy must avoid amplifying economic volatility and instead focus on maintaining price stability to support long-term sustainable growth.
As global markets brace for shifts in U.S. trade policy, Malaysia’s cautious yet steady approach aims to safeguard economic momentum while remaining responsive to evolving geopolitical dynamics. The outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations in Washington will likely shape Malaysia’s economic trajectory for the rest of the year.
