Insight

Getting related-party transactions right

In today’s corporate setting and due to a higher level of scrutiny by not only shareholders but also other stakeholders, it is becoming increasingly challenging to make a business decision.

Insight

Self-strengthening only antidote to Trump’s return

As President-elect Donald Trump completes his Cabinet nominations, still subject to legislative approval after January 2025, the policy intentions of his second term has become relatively clear.

Short Position

Importance of adapting global brands to local sensitivities

The ongoing boycott of Berjaya Food Bhd’s (BFood) Starbucks operations highlights key lessons for businesses reliant on global brands, particularly in politically charged climates.

Star Biz7

The ringgit recovery

When the ringgit rises, so does the country’s capital markets – and vice-versa – with both serving as key indicators of investor sentiment and economic stability.

Insight

A test of investors’ patience

In late September, China introduced a sweeping set of stimulus measures, encompassing monetary easing, fiscal boosts and support for the property market. This policy shift has stirred significant volatility in Chinese assets, revealing a divergence in views on the effectiveness of the stimulus.

Star Biz7

Portfolio positioning under Trump era

Now that global markets have moved past peak uncertainty, with equity market volatility subsiding following the US presidential election, attention is turning to what lies ahead under Trump 2.0’s fiscal policy.

Star Biz7

Reaping the Max from streaming

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) launched its Max streaming service across several Asian markets on Tuesday. Entertainment fans have long anticipated the arrival of the streaming service.

Star Biz7

Building a firm facade

Building claddings made with highly flammable material are very dangerous. This has been seen in many major fires around the world in recent years, like the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.

Star Biz7

Sapura Energy ‘in a good place now’

The true test of a business’ resilience lies in how it deals with its lows.

Star Biz7

Shedding light on power sector prospects

The booming data centre industry in Malaysia is expected to drive unprecedented electricity demand in the coming years.

Insight

Upholding duty of care as a board member

In recent times, there has been a growing trend of companies taking the legal route on past actions of not only board members, but also key management staff for a host of alleged offences committed during their tenure.

Short Position

Capitalising on future trade tariffs

US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of imposing sweeping higher tariffs on all imports to the United States is nearing crystallisation with the proposed appointment of Howard Lutnick, chief executive of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, as commerce secretary.

Short Position

Singapore playing roulette with casino licensing

Casinos are booming in South-East Asia, from integrated resorts in Singapore and Malaysia, to the illegal ones operating in the border areas of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Star Biz7

Bidding big on Malaysian art

The global art market continues to face a slowdown, with major auction houses Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Phillips and Bonhams seeing their total sales down by 26% in the first half of 2024 from the same period last year, according to a report by Art Basel and UBS.

Insight

When AI has to wait

A Dystopian future where artificial intelligence (AI) and robots ruin employment prospects and the livelihood of mankind has long been talked about.

Insight

New thematic play, please

Asean's post-Covid-19 pandemic economic recovery has not resulted in a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs).

Star Biz7

Market struggles to find direction

As we edge closer to the end of 2024, the Malaysian equity market remains under the spotlight, albeit with subdued enthusiasm. Investors are grappling with a mix of cautious sentiment and persistent challenges on both the local and global fronts.

Star Biz7

EQ expands to Thailand

The award-winning EQ brand will be represented in Thailand with the opening of its first outpost in the kingdom in 2028.

Star Biz7

Affin Bank 3Q earnings jump 45%

Affin Bank Bhd expects the overall outlook for the domestic banking sector to remain favourable for the remainder of 2024 supported by steady loan and financial growth as well as stable asset quality

Star Biz7

Inflation rises slightly in October

Headline inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) rose slightly to 1.9% in October (1.8% in September), driven by higher food prices and despite declines in the transport and communication subsectors.