ASEAN Countries

The global equity markets rose on Monday, despite a drop in oil prices. However, they still traded at multi-month highs. This was because markets ignored the impact of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to support an Israeli military offensive. All of Wall Street's major indexes traded higher. Nine out of eleven of the benchmark S&P 500 sectors also advanced. The session's biggest losers were energy equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.17%, to 42279.55. The S&P 500 gained 0.48% at 5,996.40. And the Nasdaq Composite grew 0.61% at 19,565.74. European shares fell by 0.2%. Overnight, MSCI's broadest...

Asian shares rose on Friday, as investors were relieved that the threat of an imminent U.S. strike on Iran had been averted for the time being. This weighed on Brent oil and dollar prices. Israel has bombed Iranian nuclear targets overnight, while Iran has fired missiles and drones towards Israel. The war, which began a week ago, is intensifying, with neither side showing any signs of an end. The White House announced that President Donald Trump would decide within the next two week whether or not the U.S. is going to get involved in Israel-Iran conflict. Some of the MAGA...

The dollar rose and global stocks fell on Thursday as investors sought perceived safe havens amid growing concerns about possible U.S. participation in the Israel-Iran war air battle, which has fueled a rise in oil prices this week. Donald Trump, on the geopolitical side, kept the world guessing as to whether the United States will join Israel in its bombardment of Iranian nukes sites. He told reporters outside the White House, Thursday, "I may do this." I may or may not do it." The recent flurry in central bank decisions across Europe has highlighted the difficulty central bankers face in...

The dollar rose and global stocks fell on Thursday as investors sought perceived safe havens amid growing concerns about possible U.S. participation in the Israel-Iran war air battle, which has fueled a rise in oil prices this week. Donald Trump, on the geopolitical side, kept the world guessing as to whether the United States will join Israel in its bombardment of Iranian nukes sites. He told reporters outside the White House, "I may do this." I may or may not do it." Central bankers have been forced to make a flurry decisions as a result of Trump's unpredictable approach on...

Investors, worried about the United States' potential for a recession, pushed global stocks down and the dollar up on Thursday. During the Israel-Iran war, they sought out safe assets and abandoned riskier ones. Donald Trump, who spoke to reporters in front of the White House Thursday, said, "I might do it." I may or may not do it." The Wall Street Journal reported Trump told his senior aides that he had approved plans for an attack on Iran, but he was waiting to give the final order until Tehran abandoned its nuclear program. The STOXX 600 index fell for the...

The global markets were nervous on Wednesday, as investors waited for the U.S. to announce its interest rate later that day. Meanwhile, the escalating hostilities in the Middle East added further pressure on an economy already struggling with the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff policies. Brent crude prices were up in Asian trading but fell during European morning, and lastly were 0.2% higher at $76.61 per barrel. European stocks fell 0.5%. Most major equity indices in the area also fell into the red as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz - a vital conduit for oil transported by sea - lowered...

Investors held back on new stock market and forex bets on Wednesday due to the escalating Middle East hostilities, and the uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's decision on monetary policy later that day. While traders pondered how Israel's ongoing airstrikes on Iran, which are now in their sixth day, will affect the global financial and economic markets, European stock indexes and international oil price fluctuated, without much direction. The broad European equity index traded flat. The UK's FTSE 100 index edged up 0.2% and Germany's DAX rose by the same amount. Brent crude oil dropped 0.8% to $75.92 per barrel...

On Wednesday, investors were urged to seek safety in U.S. Treasuries or the dollar as they dumped stocks. Investors are becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of an increased direct U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war, as it enters its sixth day. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to surrender unconditionally and warned that the patience of the United States is wearing thin. Joseph Capurso is the head of sustainable and international economics for Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The markets are trying hard to assess the risk of a large U.S. Military intervention. The market may not be thinking...

The dollar and stock markets welcomed the latest progress in the trade talks between China and the United States with caution on Wednesday, while they waited for more details about what had been decided and if it would last. Bond investors also prepared for an auction of Treasury bonds that will test the demand for the country’s debt, as well as a reading of U.S. Inflation that could reveal the early impact on prices from tariffs. Washington and Beijing negotiators said in London that they had "agreed on a framework for trade", which would be presented to their respective leaders....

As trade talks between China and the United States continued for a second consecutive day, investors had reason to believe that tensions may be easing between the two world's largest economies. U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick stated that discussions between the two parties were going well. President Donald Trump put a positive spin after the Monday session. Lutnick met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. trade representative Jamie Greer and their Chinese counterparts at the London International Trade Fair. Markets will likely be relieved if the talks progress, given Trump's frequently changing tariff announcements. These have disrupted supply chain and...

The dollar and global stocks both edged up on Tuesday, as the United States and China are set to continue their trade talks for a second consecutive day. This gives investors reason to believe that tensions between two of the largest economies in the world may be easing. After Monday's meeting, U.S. president Donald Trump emphasized the positive aspects of the discussions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, as well as U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts again on Tuesday in London. Markets will likely be relieved if the talks progress, given...

The dollar was on alert on Tuesday, as the United States and China continued their trade negotiations for a second consecutive day. There were some tentative signs that tensions could be easing between the two world's largest economies. The U.S. president Donald Trump gave a positive spin to the discussions at Lancaster House, London. They ended for the evening on Monday but were scheduled to resume at 9am GMT on Tuesday. The fact that the market is still near record highs suggests that the market has accepted what Trump said. When you consider the comments of Lutnick and Bessent it...

Malaysian palm oils futures closed higher on Friday. This was the sixth weekly gain in a row, despite a weak demand for palm oil in major markets. The benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in September on Bursa Derivatives Malaysia Exchange increased 11 ringgit or 0.27% to 4,115 Ringgit ($968.24), the highest closing rate since April 15. This week, the contract increased by 4.79%. Paramalingam Supramaniam said that trading volumes were relatively low and prices had been largely accounted for by most internal and external factors. "For the trend to continue, it will be necessary for more bullish news." Demand...

The price of palm oil in Malaysia rose on Wednesday, supported by higher soyoil prices in Dalian and Chicago, a stronger ringgit and higher crude prices. By midday, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange for September delivery had gained 20 ringgit (0.49%) to $4,084 ringgit (US$962.30) per metric ton. Kuala Lumpur based trader stated that the market was in rangebound mode but with a bias towards the positive due to the strength of rival oils and the ringgit's weakness. The Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT), which trades soyoil, saw a 0.75% increase. Dalian's palm oil contract...

The Malaysian palm futures market extended its losses on Tuesday. This followed three consecutive sessions of gains. It was dragged lower by a drop in soyoil prices in Chicago and profit-taking actions. By midday, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Derivatives Exchange for September delivery had fallen 19 ringgit or 0.46% to 4,075 Ringgit ($961.54) per metric ton. A Kuala Lumpur based trader stated that "the futures are in profit-taking mode following recent rally tracking Dalian and CBOT Soyoil sentiment". Chicago Board of Trade Soyoil was down by 0.83%. Dalian's soyoil contract with the highest volume was up by...

Malaysian palm futures continued to fall on Thursday as investors booked profits, and the prices of competing edible oils dropped. The benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in August on the Bursa Derivatives exchange fell 44 ringgit or 1.11% to 3,904 Ringgit ($923.59) per metric ton. Anilkumar bagani, the head of research for Mumbai-based Sunvin Group, said that palm oil futures had been trading lower due to profit taking, low energy prices, and weakness in other vegetable oil markets, such as those in China and the U.S. Dalian's palm oil contract, which is the most active contract, fell by 0.37%...

The price of Malaysian palm oil futures increased on Tuesday as a result of the stronger Dalian edible oil market, and India's reduced basic import tax for crude edible oils. By midday, the benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in August on the Bursa Derivatives exchange had gained 89 Ringgit or 2.29% to $3,967 Ringgit ($934.07) per metric ton. The Chinese edible oil market is a major driver of palm oil futures, and the demand outlook has improved since India, the largest importer of crude edible oils, announced a decrease in import duties. India reduced the basic import duty on...

Brazil signed protocols on Tuesday with China to allow the export of an ethanol-by-product used as animal feed. This is a challenge to the U.S. market dominance amid the ongoing China/U.S. Trade Standoff. This deal is outlined in an official document from the Brazilian government. Animal feed is highly valued for distillers dried grains, especially for pigs and cattle. In an interview on Monday, the president of Brazil's National Corn Ethanol Union said that Brazil and China had been working together since 2022 to reach a sanitary accord for DDG exports. He added that current "broad political shifts" are a...

Malaysian palm futures fell Thursday, reaching their lowest level since September. However, strong Indian buying and short-covering helped to erase some of the early losses. By midday, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives exchange for July delivery had fallen 1 ringgit or 0.03% to 3,727 Ringgit ($874.27) per metric ton. Anilkumar bagani, the research head at Mumbai-based Sunvin Group and a vegetable oil broker, said that "the futures opened lower than expected but quickly gained some ground on the back of Indian purchasing and short covering following a significant drop in recent months." He added that India...

The Malaysian data centre company Equinix announced on Wednesday that it was looking into alternative sources of energy, as it anticipates an increase in domestic electricity rates to raise its costs. The Malaysian government announced previously that it would increase electricity rates by 14.2% this July. Equinix Malaysia's managing director Cheam Tat Inn said that the company was looking into a variety of renewable energy service providers during a tour of the completed second phase of their data center in Cyberjaya. Cheam didn't specify the renewable sources used or a time frame. Equinix Malaysia operates two data centers, Cyberjaya, and...

Malaysian palm futures have reversed their gains from earlier in the week, due to a stronger ringgit, and weak demand on key markets. Prices also fell for the entire week. The benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in July on Bursa Derivatives Malaysia Exchange dropped 0.79% at the close to 3,880 Ringgit ($911.23) per metric ton. The contract dropped 4.36% in the last week. Anilkumar bagani, head of commodity research at Mumbai-based Sunvin Group, explained that a stronger ringgit, and a lack of enthusiasm in the face of expectations of an increased inventory of palm oil in Malaysia for April,...

Due to high tariffs, China's exports of used cooking oil to the United States - its biggest buyer - are expected to plummet in the coming months. Sellers will be forced to divert shipments elsewhere or to Europe, according to industry players. The Trump administration has imposed a 125% tariff on Chinese UCO imports starting this month. Three UCO traders in China said that the U.S. shipments, which were worth $1.1 billion last fiscal year, have been falling. The last cargoes are expected to arrive around the end of March or early April, before the trade grinds to an abrupt...

Malaysian palm futures declined for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, as concerns about higher production and stock levels continued to weigh heavily on market sentiment. At midday, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives exchange had fallen by 24 ringgit (0.61%) to $3,919 ringgit (908.86 dollars) per metric ton. David Ng is a proprietary trader with Kuala Lumpur's Iceberg X Sdn Bhd. He said that the weakness in the market was mainly caused by concerns about production and an expectation of higher stock levels over the next few weeks. Palm oil stocks are likely to have risen...

Malaysian palm futures closed lower on Monday as they tracked the weakness of rival soyoil on the Chicago market. Meanwhile, escalating U.S. - China trade tensions despite a suspension of tariffs for other countries also weighed down sentiment. At the close, the benchmark June palm-oil contract traded on the Bursa Derivatives Exchange in Malaysia lost 42 ringgit or 1% to 4,170 Ringgit ($945.58) per metric ton. Darren Lim is a commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Nova. He said that despite the U.S. tariff suspension of 90 days, the broader economic headwinds, and lingering uncertainty, have continued to limit any meaningful...