Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 17th July 2025

Today’s deep dive:A volatile mix of Malaysian corporate news, global trade tensions, and strategic investments shaping the country’s future.🇲🇾 Malaysia Market & Company Pulse🔹 Bursa Malaysia Earnings WarningQ2 net profit expected to plunge 37% YoY to RM51 million.✅ Lower trading activity reflects investor caution, driven largely by external tariff pressures.🔹 Duopharma BiotechLikely promoting its operations head to managing director.✅ Signals continuity and steady execution of growth plans—positive for investor confidence.🔹 CelcomDigi Life Stores LaunchNew immersive retail experiences at The Gardens Mall and Sunway Pyramid.✅ Focus on customer engagement and brand differentiation.🔹 Gamuda JV Secures Water Supply DealMinimum 40-year contract for the Kerian scheme in Perak, also supplying Penang.✅ Long-term revenue stream and regional water security.🔹 Kawan Renergy Lands RM38.8M ContractGas turbine co-generation project in Port Klang.✅ Expected to boost earnings.🔹 Khazanah Nasional Eyes $500M Exchangeable BondAimed at funding overseas investments.✅ Diversifying beyond Malaysia, leveraging flexible financing.🔹 Sarawak Semiconductor InvestmentOCI & Tokuyama commit RM2 billion to a new polysilicon plant.✅ Strengthens Malaysia’s role in the global chip supply chain.🔹 Renewables Momentum* Malakoff Corp: Exploring solar PV in Sarawak.* Pekat Group: Raising RM84.7M for expansion, aiming for a RM1B market cap.✅ Clear pivot to green energy.🔹 Tan Chong Motor’s Share SurgeUp 36% after land sales.✅ Exchange queried the move—highlighting asset monetization potential.🇲🇾 Broader Malaysian Economy✅ Consumer Market OutlookRobust domestic spending expected in H2, supported by tourism recovery—even with SST hikes.✅ Automotive Sector MixedPotential sales rebound but vulnerable to US tariffs on components.✅ Producer Prices Up 3% YoYDriven mainly by agriculture.✅ Mild inflationary pressure—watch this trend.✅ Fuel Prices Ticked UpRON97: RM3.21 | Diesel: RM2.91 (Peninsular)🌍 Global Trade & Policy Developments🔸 Semiconductors Under Pressure* ASML cut 2026 growth forecast—geopolitical risks.* Nvidia to ramp up “China-compliant” H20 chip supply.✅ Volatile backdrop for the chip industry.🔸 China EV MarketBeijing pledging to curb irrational price wars—aiming for more sustainable growth.🔸 IndonesiaCentral bank cuts rate to 5.25%, while a revised US trade deal reduces tariffs—good news for exports.🔸 UK InflationUnexpectedly rose to 3.6%, complicating the BOE’s policy path.🔸 US Producer Prices FlatTariff-driven goods costs offset by weak services demand.🔸 US Tariff Escalation* Trump threatens 30% tariffs by August 1.* EU prepares retaliation.* Possible additional duties on semiconductors, pharma.✅ Major uncertainty ahead for global supply chains.🔸 Malaysia-China Visa Waiver90-day mutual visa-free travel now active—boosting tourism and business.🔸 Malaysia Healthcare RoadmapGovernment considering new policies to grow the sector as an economic pillar.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ Local Resilience: Renewable energy investments and semiconductor expansion signal strategic shifts.✅ Trade Risks: Global tariff threats remain the #1 external risk.✅ Supply Chain Decoupling: Apple, Nvidia, and ASML moves show fragile tech dependencies.✅ Domestic Demand: Malaysian consumer spending holds up but watch imported cost pressures.🎧 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 PodcastsMalaysia 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