Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 30th May 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we unpack a wave of mixed earnings across Malaysia’s corporate landscape, major infrastructure wins in the data centre space, and a surprise US trade court ruling that may reshape global tariff dynamics. From Genting’s impairment hit to Sunway Construction’s RM1.16B contract surge, we connect the dots between local developments and international economic crosswinds.🇲🇾 Malaysia Company & Market News🔹 Genting Sees Q1 Profit Fall on Impairments & TaxesGenting Berhad posts a sharp profit drop due to asset write-downs and higher tax expense, while Genting Malaysia records a slight gain driven by forex movements—despite weaker revenue.🔹 Axiata Weakens, Plans Asset SalesQ1 profit slips amid merger impacts. The telco eyes monetising LinkNet and Boost to deleverage, as part of its wider restructuring strategy.🔹 CPO Players Shine: Jaya Tiasa and QL ResourcesHigh palm oil prices lift Jaya Tiasa’s profit fourfold. QL Resources holds steady but warns of margin risks if egg subsidies are removed.🔹 Carlsberg, IHH Show Mixed SignalsCarlsberg Malaysia’s profit up due to tax timing, but sales volume dipped. IHH’s lower headline profit stems from accounting effects—core operations remain strong.🔹 Chin Hin Doubles Profit, IJM Weathers Project LossChin Hin rides strong construction and property segments. IJM hit by West Coast Expressway-related credit loss, though core business and overseas JV remain positive.🔹 Sunway Construction Secures RM1.16B in Data Centre JobsLandmark contract win from US-based client adds to booming data centre momentum. Order book and earnings visibility significantly strengthened.🔹 Bursa Expands ETF AccessNew partnerships to list foreign underlying ETFs aim to broaden investor options through Bursa Malaysia.🔹 IPO Buzz: Hartanah Kenyalang Oversubscribed 5xStrong investor interest ahead of ACE market listing, signalling confidence in construction-related counters.🔹 OthersPMB Technology profits more than double on efficiency gains. Padini benefits from festive spending. Tropicana stays profitable with a strong sales pipeline. Wellcall dips on export pressure. Winstar Capital eyes rebound via higher aluminium prices.🌍 Global Trends & Their Impact on Malaysia🌐 Malaysia & Thailand Growth Forecasts CutEconomists trim 2025 projections due to US trade tensions, highlighting the toll on export-driven economies.💱 Ringgit Holds Steady as USD WeakensA softer dollar supports regional currencies. Stable ringgit may curb inflation and allow more policy flexibility from Bank Negara.🏛 US Fed Maintains Wait-and-See StanceCiting tariff uncertainty and rising recession risks, Fed minutes show officials are cautious about interest rate changes.⚖️ US Trade Court Blocks Trump’s Blanket TariffsLandmark legal ruling challenges the president’s authority under the EPA, delivering a temporary relief rally across markets. The administration is appealing.🛢 Oil Prices Rise Ahead of OPEC+ MeetingReduced trade tension and expectations of supply-tightening measures push oil higher. OPEC+ to decide on output hike this weekend.🔌 China Tensions Deepen: Chips & Student VisasUS tightens controls on advanced chip design software exports and student visas for Chinese nationals in sensitive fields. Beijing calls the moves discriminatory.💰 Goldman Sachs Recommends Gold & OilAs long-term hedges against US institutional risk and global supply shocks, analysts favour commodities amid rising uncertainty.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ Mixed corporate earnings highlight sector-specific risks and resilience—data centre, construction, and CPO stand out.✅ Sunway Construction’s billion-ringgit win underscores the strength of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure push.✅ US trade court ruling could reshape global tariff enforcement—watch legal outcomes for market sentiment shifts.✅ Fed patience + ringgit stability = possible monetary wiggle room for Malaysia amid export concerns.✅ Geopolitical risk remains elevated—from China tensions to OPEC decisions and global recession signals.🎧 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