Analysts, banks foresee potentially bumpy 2026 due to US tariffs, policy uncertainty

Trump’s proposed chips, pharmaceutical tariffs may dampen risk assets sentiment as investors track pressure on BRICS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — The government's plan to reduce the price of RON95 petrol is widely seen as a positive step to ease living costs and support private consumption amid global economic uncertainties, said investment banks.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The ringgit is expected to hover around RM4.24 to RM4.26 next week amid mixed signals in the market.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — The ringgit closed lower against the United States (US) dollar as market sentiment weakened amid the US' latest reciprocal tariff policy adjustments, ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting tomorrow.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is expected to incur capital expenditure (capex) of RM430 million over the financial years (FY) 2026–2027, representing 18 per cent of the 10-year contract revenue, to roll out the fibre backhaul services for the second 5G network, said CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is expected to incur capital expenditure (capex) of RM430 million over the financial years (FY) 2026–2027, representing 18 per cent of the 10-year contract revenue, to roll out the fibre backhaul services for the second 5G network, said CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The ringgit is likely to trade cautiously next week as investors focus on monetary policy decisions both domestically and in the United States (US).

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — The ringgit is likely to remain defensive within the 4.41-4.45 range against the US dollar next week, underpinned by Bank Negara Malaysia’s recent policy status quo and Malaysia's solid macro outlook.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — The ringgit is expected to trade within the 4.40-4.45 range against the United States (US) dollar next week, driven by trade developments and broader risk sentiment, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — The ringgit is expected to trade at around 4.50 against the US dollar next week, as markets brace for Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB).

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — The ringgit is expected to trade on a softer note against the United States (US) dollar, remaining within a narrow range next week.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Bank Negara Malaysia is likely to keep the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged for the next 12 to 15 months, with inflation pressures subdued and the economic outlook stable, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — The ringgit is expected to strengthen against the US dollar next week, driven by signals from the US Federal Reserve (US Fed) suggesting potential interest rate cuts in September.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 — Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth momentum is expected to taper off going into the second half of 2024 (2H 2024), said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB).

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — The ringgit is poised to trend higher next week to 4.65 against the US dollar, supported by positive economic indicators.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — The ringgit is expected to trade in a narrow range of 4.67 to 4.69 against the US dollar next week due to the absence of key economic data, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — Analysts are optimistic about the growth prospects for Malaysia’s industrial sector this year despite a softer industrial production index (IPI) growth of 3.1 per cent year-on-year recorded in February 2024.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — Malaysia’s manufacturing sector is expected to see a robust recovery in the second half of 2024 (2H24), and the manufacturing index is forecasted to expand 4.6 per cent this year, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (KIB).

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — The foreign exchange market is predicted to remain cautious next week, with all eyes on major data points, including the US Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) and Unemployment Rate, which will be critical for ringgit-US dollar performance.