Trusted Insights. Asian Perspective.
Malaysia's domestic tourism expenditure reached RM66.8 billion in the first half of 2026. But visitor numbers alone do not guarantee stronger business returns. The next opportunity lies in encouraging meaningful spending, longer stays and greater participation by local businesses.
Indonesia's decision to redirect natural gas from Singapore to domestic electricity generation highlights a growing challenge for ASEAN. As regional economies compete for industrial investment, reliable energy supply is becoming just as important as trade agreements and investment incentives.
DC Studios' Clayface earned US$3.5 million in North American previews as the US$44 million horror production faces competition from You Can See Everything and other new releases.
Singapore's core inflation eased to 2.0% in September, below expectations, leaving economists divided over whether MAS will tighten monetary policy in early 2027.
A heavy US earnings calendar and the Federal Reserve's October decision will test whether AI-linked profits can support elevated equity valuations.
MSCI is consulting on whether to move Indonesia to standalone-market status, raising the risk of passive outflows and a higher cost of equity capital.
Meta has launched Muse in Japan, giving Asian investors an early test of subscription-funded personal AI agents and local platform integration.
Gold was set for a weekly decline exceeding 3.5% as higher oil prices revived inflation concerns and strengthened expectations that US rates may stay elevated.
PAAB is planning a RM11.64 billion sukuk programme to support Malaysia's water infrastructure. But raising capital is only the beginning. The real measure of success lies in completed projects, reliable supply and fewer disruptions for businesses and households.
Astro's proposed RM83 million broadband disposal is more than an asset sale. It raises a strategic question about diversification, competitive scale and whether focusing on fewer businesses can help a media company build a stronger financial future.
