China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Malaysia is expected to increase spending on public subsidies and social assistance in its 2026 national budget as the government seeks to ease the burden of rising living costs while maintaining fiscal discipline. Economists project that Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming budget announcement on Friday will focus on balancing social welfare priorities with long-term economic and fiscal goals.
Analysts suggest Anwar is unlikely to introduce new broad-based taxes, instead possibly raising excise duties on alcohol and tobacco, and outlining details of a proposed carbon tax. Malaysia has already taken steps to enhance revenue through an expanded sales and services tax and targeted fuel subsidy reforms.
Economists at CGS International noted that Malaysia’s fiscal consolidation progress has been steady, reducing the likelihood of major tax changes. However, they warned that revenue growth may slow next year due to lower dividends from Petronas, the state energy giant, which is expected to contribute RM20–25 billion in 2026, down from RM32 billion this year, as global oil prices soften.
Despite this, total government spending could rise to RM430 billion, up from this year’s record RM421 billion, with higher allocations for subsidies, social programs, and public services. UOB economists anticipate Malaysia’s economy will grow 4% in 2025, rising slightly to 4.5% in 2026. Trade uncertainties, including a recent 19% U.S. tariff on Malaysian exports, remain a key downside risk.
The 2026 fiscal deficit is forecast to narrow to between 3.4% and 3.6% of GDP from an estimated 3.8% this year, reflecting the government’s continued push toward fiscal sustainability while prioritizing inclusive growth and social protection.
