Technology

Bitcoin set for first yearly loss since 2022 as macro trends weigh on crypto

Dec 31 (Reuters) - Bitcoin is on ‌track to post its first annual loss since 2022, as macroeconomic pressures and fading momentum weighed on the ‌world's largest cryptocurrency. 

World

North Korea's Kim Jong Un attends New Year's celebrations, KCNA says

SEOUL, Jan 1 (Reuters) - ‌North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended ‌New Year's celebrations in Pyongyang including fireworks, ‌patriotic songs and dances and a taekwondo demonstration, state media KCNA said on Thursday.

Technology

Trump Media unveils plan to distribute new cryptocurrency to shareholders

Dec 31 (Reuters) - Trump ‌Media and Technology Group said on Wednesday it will distribute a ‌new digital token to its shareholders, deepening its push into digital ‌assets as policy support for cryptocurrencies builds in Washington.

Economy

Manufacturing PMI snaps eight-month slide

China's factory activity ticked up slightly in December, official data shows, an unexpected silver lining to cap an otherwise lacklustre end to the year for the world's second-largest economy.

Economy

China+1 strategy momentum on track

The China+1 strategy in trade and investments continue to increase reflecting the connectivity of the supply chain while businesses based in China expand their operations across various sectors in South-East Asia despite US tariffs.

Economy

Milei aims to stop savers stashing their cash

After decades of financial crises, Argentines tend to keep their money just about anywhere except a bank – under the couch, dug in the backyard or in bulletproof bunkers.

Corporate News

Pahang LSS4 plant to lift Sunview bottom line 

TA Research expects Sunview Group Bhd's proposed acquisition of a large scale solar four or LSS4 plant in Pahang to enhance the group's annual earnings by 22% based on its preliminary estimates.

Economy

Johor data centre water demand to accelerate

The actual water consumption by data centres (DCs) in Johor still remains materially below committed levels, says BIMB Research.

Commodities

Oil lags as silver shines in global market spotlight

Precious metals were the standout performers among commodities last year, with silver outperforming most major equity indexes and currencies, while gold hit record highs on economic and geopolitical risks.

Banking

Loan growth expected to reach 5.7% in 2026

Overall loan growth is projected to grow by 5.7% in 2026, supported by expansion of 5.8% in consumer lending and 5.5% in business loans, according to TA Research.

Insight

What S-E Asia hospitality industry teaches us about resilience

Few industries have been tested as frequently and relentlessly as hospitality over the past decade.

Corporate News

Warner Bros plans to reject Paramount offer

Warner Bros Discovery Inc plans to once again reject a takeover bid from Paramount Skydance Corp after the rival media company amended the terms of its offer, according to people familiar with the company's thinking.

Thailand

POWs home in time for the new year

THE soldiers were given a hero's welcome after Thailand released them as part of a truce deal that ended weeks of deadly fighting along their contested frontier.

Insight

Global outlook for 2026 – Defying gravity? 

THE year 2025 marked the end of the initial phase of global economic adjustments.

Markets

FBM KLCI ends 2025 on firmer footing

The Malaysian stock market ended 2025 on firmer footing, even as foreign fund outflows and external macroeconomic uncertainties lingered through much of the year.

Corporate News

Malaysia Smelting appoints two co-group CEOs 

Malaysia Smelting Corp Bhd has appointed two co-group chief executive officers (CEO), effective today, following the retirement of its group CEO Datuk Dr Patrick Yong Mian Thong.

Economy

Official reserve assets total US$124bil, says BNM

Malaysia's official reserve assets amounted to US$124.12bil as of Nov 30, 2025, while other foreign currency assets stood at US$266.2mil, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Metro News

Johor to drive growth via connectivity, investment

The next 365 days are expected to be a whirlwind of activity for Johor as the state kicks off a line-up of events in conjunction with Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026).

India

Greenwashing grey skies

Recent remarks about pollution from two Indian officials have increa­sed frustration among residents who say policymakers are unwilling to acknowledge the severity of India's air quality crisis.

Japan

Female MPs want more seats, the porcelain kind

Nearly 60 female lawmakers in Japan, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.