Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 21st May 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we explore key developments across Malaysia’s corporate sector, major shifts in global monetary policy, and the ripple effects of international trade tensions. From Eversendai’s billion-ringgit wins to China and Australia slashing rates, we break down what it all means for you.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 Axis REIT Launches RM3B Sukuk ProgrammeSolid AA2/A1-rated Islamic debt facility to fund capital needs, expansions, and refinancing. Market reacted positively; units closed higher at RM1.90.🔹 Eversendai Secures RM1.3B in ContractsWins across UAE, India, Singapore, and Germany. Notably part of a German offshore wind energy project. Order book now at RM6.6B.🔹 Gas Malaysia Taps BiomethaneLaunches centralized injection facility in Johor, targeting premium green energy sales to ESG-conscious clients. Break-even estimated in 7–9 years.🔹 IHH Ups Fortis Deal Legal ClaimSingapore unit now seeking RM5.7B in damages from Daiichi Sankyo over blocked Fortis acquisition. Court hearing set for July.🔹 Inari Profits Drop, Cautiously OptimisticQ3 net profit down 24.7% on lower volume and China startup losses. Dividend declared; shares held at RM2.02.🔹 Duopharma’s Insulin Deal Extended AgainSix-month contract extension with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health boosts stability. Third extension since 2021.🔹 MyEG Profits Up on Blockchain GrowthQ1 net profit rises 16.5% on gains from Zetrix platform. Eyes further growth from Malaysia’s national blockchain rollout.🔹 Petronas Chemicals Posts Rare Net LossRM18M Q1 loss due to weaker margins, FX hits, and Pengerang supply issues. Fertilizer & methanol segment offered some relief.🔹 Sapura Industrial Moves Into Battery JVPartners with China’s Zhejiang Zhongze to manufacture battery components locally. Sapura holds a 51% stake.🔹 Sports Toto Hits 12-Year Profit HighQ3 net profit more than doubles, boosted by demand for jackpot draws. Declares 2 sen dividend.🔹 Sunway Construction Adds RM260M Data Centre JobSecures final phase of Johor data centre build; total contract value now RM393M. Q1 net profit more than doubled.🔹 TSH Resources Profit Jumps 140%Higher palm prices, better segmental contributions, and lower costs drove strong Q1. No dividend this round.🔹 Velesto Wins Vietnam Rig ContractDeploying NAGA 4 rig for 40+ wells starting 1H 2026. Expected to boost 2026–27 earnings.🔹 Petronas-ENI Eye Indonesian Gas JVTalks to jointly develop Indonesia’s Kutai Basin gas assets. Asset swap could be in play.🌍 Global Trends & Their Impact on Malaysia🌐 China & Australia Cut Interest RatesCoordinated monetary easing reflects concerns over global trade and domestic headwinds. Regional markets react cautiously.💱 Japan’s Bond Market Hit by Weak Auction20-year yields hit highest level since 2000. Signals anxiety over fiscal policy and BOJ support.🛢 Kazakhstan Defies OPEC+ with Output Hike2% increase in May oil production adds pressure to supply management efforts within the bloc.⚠️ ECB & BIS Warn of Trade & FX RisksECB flags tariff-driven financial instability. BIS highlights $113T FX swap market risk tied to potential “dollar scramble.”📉 Moody’s Downgrades US Credit RatingCuts sovereign rating to Aa1, citing rising debt and fiscal strain. Markets react with selloff and rising yields.🧾 Exporters Feel Tariff PainAllianz survey shows 42% of global exporters expect revenue drops. German firms especially worried.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ Regional rate cuts by China and Australia show rising concern over trade-driven uncertainty.✅ Eversendai’s RM1.3B win and Sunway Construction’s data centre growth reinforce Malaysia’s infrastructure momentum.✅ Inari and PetChem’s results highlight vulnerability to global tech and energy volatility.✅ Blockchain, battery JVs, and biomethane signals a pivot toward new economy sectors.✅ Malaysia’s banking sector remains resilient—offering dividend stability in turbulent times.🎧 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