Emerging Asian equities and currencies were sharply lower on Friday as reports Israel attacked Iran in an escalation of tensions in the Middle East led investors to flee to safe-haven assets, including the US dollar.

Surging dollar pressures Asian FX; South Korean won leads losses

The Indonesian rupiah tumbled to a four-year low on Tuesday after a weeklong holiday, as persistent strength in the greenback after a hawkish repricing of Federal Reserve rate cut expectations continued to pressure Asian currencies.

Asia FX, stocks weaken as Fed rate cut bets shift; rupiah hits four-year low

Most Southeast Asian markets were subdued on Tuesday as rising tensions in the Middle East and a potential delay in interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve kept the dollar buoyant, triggering an aversion to riskier emerging market assets.

Asian currencies slip, stocks fall as Fed rate cut bets shift

Emerging market currencies eased on Friday, tracking global risk-off sentiment as investors scaled back bets for early Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts this year after a red-hot US inflation print this week.

Currencies touch two-month low as dollar rallies on Fed rate prospects

Investors exited risk-prone emerging Asian assets on Thursday, after a hotter-than-expected US inflation reading overnight poured cold water on expectations of a June interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve (Fed).

Asian assets sold off after hotter-than-expected US inflation

Most Asian currencies were muted on Tuesday as traders exercised caution ahead of this week's US inflation data and a flurry of regional central bank meetings.  

The crucial US consumer price index (CPI) data, scheduled for release on Wednesday, will take centre-stage for global markets as the timeline for US rate cuts has been gradually delayed.

Most Asian currencies subdued ahead of US CPI

Most Asian currencies were on the back foot on Monday, ahead of a week laden with central bank meetings, after a strong jobs report from the world's largest economy weighed on hopes of an interest rate cut in June.

Asian currencies tepid as traders brace for central bank meetings

Emerging Asian currencies were largely range-bound on Friday, although on track for weekly losses, as hawkish comments by some Federal Reserve officials tempered expectations of impending rate cuts and dampened risk sentiment.

Asian FX set for weekly losses as Fed comments dent risk sentiment

Most Asian stocks rose on Thursday, driven by optimism about potential US interest rate cuts, even as the timing of the move remained uncertain, while regional currencies were little changed.

Asian stocks gain on US rate cut prospects; FX subdued

Emerging Asian stocks fell on Wednesday, with Taiwan's benchmark index ending lower after the island witnessed its biggest earthquake in 25 years, while currencies remained under pressure from a sturdy dollar following a strong run of economic data.

Asian stocks slump, FX range-bound as Taiwan earthquake hits sentiment

Taiwan's stocks closed at a record high on Tuesday amid higher inflows into several Asian equities, while most regional currencies weakened against the dollar as strong economic data pushed back against bets on earlier US rate cuts.

Taiwan stocks close at record high; Asian currencies slump

Indonesia's rupiah and stocks hit multi-month lows on Monday after stronger-than-expected inflation data, while other Asian stock markets gained as upbeat China manufacturing data stoked optimism about demand in the world's second largest economy.

Indonesia rupiah, stocks hit multi-month lows after inflation data

Stocks and currencies were muted in Asia on the Good Friday holiday, while investors kept to the sidelines ahead of key US inflation data.

Markets were shut in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and the US.

Asian markets quiet in holiday-thinned trade; US inflation eyed

Several currencies in emerging Asia extended losses on Wednesday to hit multi-month lows, while stocks were broadly mixed, as the greenback gained momentum following strong US economic data.

Asian currencies at multi-month lows as dollar steadies; stocks mixed

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) must tread cautiously in raising interest rates, as some indicators of inflation expectations remain short of its 2% target, the International Monetary Fund's Japan mission chief Nada Choueiri said on Friday.

IMF urges Bank of Japan to tread cautiously in raising interest rates

Israel's apparent strike on Iran after days of vacillation was small and appeared calibrated to dial back risks of a major war, even if the sheer fact it happened at all shattered a taboo of direct attacks that Tehran broke days earlier.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet had initially approved plans for a strike on Monday night inside Iranian territory to respond forcefully to last Saturday's missile and drones from Iran, but held back at the last-minute, three sources with knowledge of the situation said.

Israel's Iran attack carefully calibrated after internal splits, US pressure

The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 dipped on Friday, with Netflix among the biggest drags on a dour quarterly forecast, while all three indexes stared at weekly losses amid diminishing hopes that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates anytime soon.

Nasdaq lags peers as Netflix, chip stocks drag; AmEx lifts Dow

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Friday night for a one-day working visit to the state.

Anwar's plane landed at Terminal Two, Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 11.40pm, where he was greeted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Anwar arrives in Kota Kinabalu for one-day visit

Parties in the Unity Government have their methods to ensure a win in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election next month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said this was discussed at the Unity Government secretariat meeting on Wednesday.

Unity Govt parties have ways to ensure victory in Kuala Kubu Baharu polls — Ahmad Zahid

All travellers entering or leaving Singapore carrying Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) that are valued more than S$20,000 or its equivalent in a foreign currency, must submit the necessary declarations electronically with effect from May 13.

Travellers to and from Singapore carrying over S$20,000 must submit online declaration from May 13

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday:

Shares of Sapura Energy Bhd have been suspended from trading, pending a material announcement. The suspension took effect from 2.30pm onwa...

Sapura Energy, PIE Industrial, LSH Capital, YX, Westports, Yinson, Sime Darby Property, MISC, Meta Bright, EG Industries, Hextar, Uzma, Nova MSC and Iconic Worldwide

YX Precious Metals Bhd, a 70%-owned subsidiary of Tomei Consolidated Bhd, has proposed to transfer its listing from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia as it has met the profit requirements for the transfer.

In a bourse filing, the gold jewellery wholesaler and manufacturer said it has also satisfied the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Main Market listing requirements on financial position, public shareholding spread and Bumiputera equity.

YX Precious Metals proposes to transfer listing from ACE Market to Main Market

(April 19): Oyo Hotels is in talks to raise up to US$450 million via dollar bonds, a person familiar with the matter said, as the once-high-flying Indian startup seeks to replace an existing high-cost loan amid delays in its stock-market debut.

Softbank-backed Oyo eyes US$450 mil bond sale for refinancing

CIMB Thai Bank PCL’s net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (1QFY2024) dropped 24.6% year-on-year to 626.1 million baht from 830.1 million baht, as it reported lower operating income and higher expenses.  

The group recorded an 8.4% drop in operating income and an 11.8% increase in operating expenses. The effects of these were partially offset by a 36.9% decline in expected credit loss, according to CIMB Thai president and chief executive officer Paul Wong Chee Kin in a statement. CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has a 94.83% interest in CIMB Thai.

CIMB Thai's 1Q earnings drop 24.6% as operating income falls while opex climbs

Most read this week - Stay up to date with the biggest news and latest trending topics by checking out the top 10 articles of the week. 

Most read this week

Financial services provider MIDF has reported a recent cyber security incident to relevant authorities and is collaborating closely with them on addressing the matter.

In a brief statement issued on Friday, MIDF affirmed that it takes the cyber security incident seriously and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of customers' information.

MIDF confirms cyber security incident

Automotive electronic parts manufacturer MCE Holdings Bhd has commenced the construction for its MCE Auto Hub, the company’s new manufacturing facility in Serendah, Selangor, with an initial investment of RM50 million for the first phase of the development.&nbsp;

MCE Holdings commences construction for RM50 mil manufacturing facility in Serendah 

DUBAI/JERUSALEM (April 19): Explosions echoed over an Iranian city on Friday in what sources described as an&nbsp;Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated that it had no plans for retaliation — a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

Tehran signals no retaliation against Israel after drones attack Iran

Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Bursa Malaysia ended the week mixed on Friday with buying in selected heavyweights and commodity-related stocks amid the negative sentiment on regional markets, said an analyst.&nbsp;

Bursa ends mixed amid weak regional sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Construction company Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital) said it has obtained approval from its shareholders to transfer the group’s listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd.

Lim Seong Hai Capital gets shareholder nod for transfer of listing to ACE Market

A group of investors led by a Dubai-based real estate developer is in talks to build a mixed-use tower in Thailand that may vie for the mantle of the world’s tallest building.

Thailand in talks with group of investors from Middle East, China to build world’s tallest tower

SINGAPORE (April 19): CGS-CIMB Securities has officially rebranded as CGS International Securities (CGS International), as the integrated financial services provider launched its new identity in Singapore on Thursday (April 18).&nbsp;

CGS-CIMB Securities rebrands as CGS International, aims to double revenue to S$700 mil by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): UEM Sunrise Bhd has launched The Beat 2.0, an extension of The Beat retail hub at its Kiara Bay development in Kepong, during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Kiara Bay sales gallery on Friday. The Beat 2.0 measures 2.6-acres and will comprise a net lease area (NLA) of 73,566 square feet (sq ft), according to a press statement on Friday.

UEM Sunrise launches The Beat 2.0 at Kiara Bay, welcomes Harvey Norman as anchor tenant

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday:

Shares of Sapura Energy Bhd have been suspended from trading, pending a material announcement. The suspension took effect from 2.30pm onwa...

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd said it has secured a RM13.33 million contract to upgrade fire engineering systems at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminal 1 satellite building.

Fajarbaru clinches RM13 mil contract from MAHB

MISC Bhd, via its petroleum arm AET, has entered into time charter party contracts with PETCO Trading Labuan Company Ltd (PTLCL) for the world’s first two ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes (tankers with a deadweight of between 80,000 and 120,000 tonnes), as it seeks to reduce overall emissions from its operations.

Both MISC and PTLCL are units of&nbsp; national oil company Petronas.

MISC enters time charter party contracts with Petronas unit for world's first ammonia dual-fuel Aframax tankers

Fibre optic cables manufacturer Hextar Capital Bhd, formerly known as Opcom Holdings Bhd, said it plans to diversify into the construction and project management business.

The proposed diversification is expected to boost the group’s net profit by about 25%, aligning with its long-term strategy to pursue more engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) projects beyond telecommunications network projects, the group said in an exchange filing.

Hextar Capital plans to diversify into construction business

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Silver Ridge Holdings Bhd said its wholly owned unit is being sued by a subcontractor over alleged outstanding contract payments.

Silver Ridge’s unit slapped with suit over alleged unpaid contract sums

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Prime Minister&nbsp;Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied Opposition claims that its Members of Parliament (MPs) will only be given allocations if they pledged support for his leadership.&nbsp;

Anwar: Claims of Opposition MPs needing to support me for allocations baseless

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): M&amp;A Equity Holdings Bhd announced that an individual by the name of Siti Nur Aishah Ishak has become a substantial shareholder of the stockbroking firm, after acquiring a 0.13% stake in the company.

Siti Nur Aishah emerges as substantial shareholder of M&A Equity

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Software company Nova MSC Bhd said on Friday that it has signed term sheets&nbsp;for investments totalling about RM41.4 million&nbsp;into two of its subsidiaries, by Singapore-based family office Jostar Investment VCC.

Nova MSC signs term sheets for RM41.4m investment into its Singaporean units

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): Uzma Bhd plans to raise RM68.35 million via a private placement of 15% of its current share base to help fund the development of a water injection facility (WIF) which it is to lease to a unit of Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd.

Uzma plans RM68.4m private placement to fund O&G support job

YX Precious Metals Bhd, a 70%-owned subsidiary of Tomei Consolidated Bhd, has proposed to transfer its listing from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia as it has met the profit requirements for the transfer.

In a bourse filing, the gold jewellery wholesaler and manufacturer said it has also satisfied the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Main Market listing requirements on financial position, public shareholding spread and Bumiputera equity.

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