Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 24th Apr 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we spotlight Malaysia’s growing digital gold access, major manufacturing investments, and key developments in global tech regulation and trade policy. From new solar projects to signs of a thaw in US–China relations, we break down what matters most for your money, the markets, and Malaysia’s future.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 Bank Rakyat Launches E-Gold PlatformShariah-compliant, real-time gold trading now accessible via internet banking from just RM10. Physical delivery available. Launch aligns with gold’s record-high surge past US$3,500/oz.🔹 Ferrotec Invests RM1B in Second Kulim PlantJapan’s Ferrotec expands with a 1M ft² facility, 700+ CNC machines, and 1,000 new jobs—targeting high-tech exports. Total Malaysian investment now RM1.9B.🔹 MCE Holdings Secures RM120M in Auto ContractsMulti-year deals with JVIS USA, Perodua, and Proton cover EV and traditional parts. Strategic US contract signed ahead of possible auto part tariffs.🔹 MN Holdings Tapped for RM30M Solar Connection JobsAppointed by Sunview Group to build interconnection infrastructure for two solar farms in Kedah. Project duration: 10 months.🔹 Petronas Signs 11 US MOUs for O&G TransformationFocus on productivity, skills, and yard upgrades—aiming to future-proof Malaysia’s oil & gas services sector.🔹 Reach Ten IPO Sees Strong DemandOversubscribed 1.85x; RM156M raised for Sarawak-focused fiber expansion. Listing on May 2.🌍 Global Trends & Policy Watch🔹 EU Fines Apple & Meta Under Digital Markets ActApple hit with €500M, Meta €200M for anti-competitive practices. Google and X may be next. Regulatory scrutiny rises on both sides of the Atlantic.🔹 Copper, Commodities Lift on Easing Trade Tension TalkCopper hits US$9,450/ton amid signals from the US of potential de-escalation with China. Softer tone from Trump and Treasury Secretary boosts market sentiment.🔹 India Resumes Palm Oil BuyingRefiners restock as prices fall below soybean oil. Positive news for Malaysian CPO futures.🔹 Malaysia–China MOUs: Cabinet Orders Fast-Track31 MOUs from President Xi’s visit—including a Twin Hub aviation initiative—now under coordinated implementation via the Foreign Ministry.🔹 Inflation Hits 4-Year Low in MarchCPI rose 1.4% YoY, easing mostly in food and non-food categories. BNM expected to hold rates, with potential room for cuts if trade risks rise.🔹 IMF Trims Malaysia’s 2025 GDP ForecastRevised to 4.1% (from 4.7%), citing global trade volatility and tariff pressure. Warns of rising public debt worldwide if trends persist.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ Gold Goes Digital & Shariah-Compliant – Bank Rakyat’s E-Gold makes gold investing accessible and timely amid global volatility.✅ Malaysia Solidifies Its Role in Global Supply Chains – Ferrotec’s RM1B expansion and strong IPO activity underscore investor confidence in Malaysia’s tech and telecom sectors.✅ Trade Tensions May Be Thawing – US remarks hinting at a softer approach toward China could shift global risk sentiment—and Malaysia’s trade outlook.✅ Regulators Are Reshaping Big Tech – EU’s DMA fines and US legal rulings mark a growing push to rein in digital dominance.🎧 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