Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 11th Jun 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we dive into key developments shaping Malaysia’s corporate sector, the shifting rate outlook boosting REITs, and international headlines from solar slowdowns to global bond buzz.From Capital A’s PN17 exit plan to a record trade year with Taiwan, we break down the local-global dynamics impacting markets, companies, and policy today.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 99 Speedmart Expansion & EPF StakeExtending hours and adding 250 new stores could lift 2025 profits by nearly 12%. Meanwhile, EPF crossed the 5% shareholding threshold—though their recent buy was a small 0.07%.🔹 REITs Gain Analyst FavourRate cut hopes lift sentiment. Yield projections at 5.6% (2025) and 6%+ (2026) attract investors. Risks include rental SST and electricity tariffs.🔹 Benalec Secures Coal Transport DealWins RM-denominated contract with TNB Fuel for up to 3.5M tonnes/year over 2 years—returning to a past core service and strengthening FY25 outlook.🔹 Capital A Nears PN17 ExitFinal hurdles: Thai Stock Exchange approval and aviation asset transfer to AAX. Eyeing exits from PN17 by end-July, plus future listings in Hong Kong and Nasdaq.🔹 Destini Lands Hibiscus ContractThree-year upstream deal boosts oilfield services, with earnings contribution from FY26. No fixed value—dependent on issued work orders.🔹 NCT Alliance Bets on Sabah GrowthAcquires 55.7% of Grorich Corp via RM36M share deal. Second Sabah move in 3 months—building long-term landbank in Putatan.🔹 Niche Capital Emas Eyes Kelantan GoldJV wins exclusive rights to KK Hill site with ~169,300 troy oz of estimated gold. Royalties and tribute payment structure. Investment details still unclear.🔹 Paradigm REIT Flat on DebutOpened and closed at RM1. Raised RM560M for WCT via offer for sale. Targets 7%+ yield for FY25; retail portion undersubscribed amid soft market.🔹 Petronas Cuts 10% Workforce~5,000 roles impacted in long-term restructuring effort. Cites margin pressure and price volatility. Offering career transition and financial support packages.🔹 Sarawak Energy’s Massive Solar PlanSigns MOU with China’s Three Gorges and Shanghai Electric to explore 1GW floating solar at Bakun Dam. Part of state’s 10GW renewables target by 2030.🌍 Global Trends & Their Impact on Malaysia🌐 BOJ Holds Rate Hike Door OpenJapan maintains negative real rates, but remains ready to hike if core inflation stabilizes near 2%. Trade friction risks and growth worries complicate outlook.🛢️ Palm Oil Sees Demand SurgeChina and India drive short-term rebound. Prices may stay in RM3,900–RM4,200 range for six months—but sustainability depends on competitiveness vs soy/sunflower oils.🌞 China’s Solar Boom StallsMargins collapsing, exports hit by protectionism. Rooftop curbs and subsidy cuts could drag Q3 sharply—despite record H1 installations.🇩🇪 Germany Diversifies Gas SupplySEFE signs 10-year deal for Azeri gas—1.5B cubic meters/year—via Trans Adriatic Pipeline, cutting Russian reliance.📉 Grab’s Bond Spurs Merger SpeculationUS$1.25B convertible bond sale sparks chatter of GoTo acquisition. Grab denies talks but hints at M&A intent. Antitrust scrutiny looms large.🚊 Penang Mutiara LRT ClearedIssues resolved; physical work to begin within 2 months. RM1 Rapid Penang van system in 13 zones sees solid early traction.💵 Oil Prices Rise on Trade HopesEased US-China tensions buoy demand expectations. But supply risks from OPEC+ output hikes and Canada wildfires remain key watchpoints.💽 TSMC Sales Jump 40% YoYMay strength fueled by AI chip demand and inventory build-up amid trade risk. CEO reaffirms 25% full-year growth target in USD terms.🇹🇼 Malaysia-Taiwan Trade Surged 38.5%2024 trade hit RM176B. Taiwan now Malaysia’s 4th largest partner, led by electronics, petrochem, halal synergy and rising FDI flows.🇬🇧 FTSE 100 Hits Record HighBuoyed by UK-US trade reset and economic rebound. Valuations still seen as cheap. London listings face pressure, but global inflows continue.🇺🇸 US-China Trade Talks ProgressingLondon talks signal potential easing of some export controls. AI chips still restricted. Chinese exports to US down sharply in May.🚢 US Seaborne Imports PlungeMay container imports from China down 30% YoY. Tariff overhang and reshoring pressures shift sourcing dynamics despite 90-day pause.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ 99 Speedmart expansion + REIT yield optimism highlight where Malaysian retail and real estate are finding strength.✅ Capital A’s PN17 exit and Petronas layoffs show two sides of corporate transformation.✅ Gold, solar, and Sabah property: Investors betting on niche but long-horizon sectors.✅ FDI and trade ties with Taiwan underscore Malaysia’s growing role in Asia’s tech supply chain.✅ Watch for how global trade shifts—from Grab’s M&A hints to falling Chinese exports—reshape regional markets.🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!🔗 Subscribe & Share the Malaysia Money Matters podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.Malaysia Money Matters is a one-person passion project. Subscribe for free or support me as a paid subscriber—it means the world to me! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mmoneymatters.substack.com