Google Moves In, Tariffs Back Off (for Now) | Malaysia Daily Financial News Digest 6th May 25

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we track major corporate shifts, tariff talks, and international developments—from Gamuda’s billion-ringgit Google deal to Malaysia’s ongoing trade negotiations with the US. Get the full picture of how local companies and global headlines intersect—and what it all means for your money.

🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News

🔹 AT&S Kulim Plant Powers Ahead
Austrian tech giant’s €1.7B project ramps up AMD-focused production. Eyes 30% CAGR and customer base expansion amid global semiconductor shifts.

🔹 Gamuda Lands Google Data Centre Deal
Sells 389-acre site for RM455M and secures over RM1B in enabling works. Big win for Malaysia’s data centre ambitions.

🔹 Ekovest Gets Green Light for DUKE Links
Laluan Istana Kiara and Kampung Baru links move forward, supporting Klang Valley’s growing infrastructure needs.

🔹 West River Expands Post-IPO
Bidding for Johor data centre project; exploring hotels in Penang and Langkawi. RM13.88M electrical subcontract adds to growing portfolio.

🔹 Tan Chong Bets Big on Affordable EVs
Partners with SAIC-GM-Wuling to assemble EVs locally. First model, TQ Wuling Bingo, aims for sub-RM100K price tag by late 2026.

🔹 Mr DIY Posts Record Q1 Results
Festive sales, better margins, and aggressive expansion (190 stores in 2025) drive all-time high revenue and net profit.

🔹 Other Key Movers
• TAS Offshore: Secures RM38M in tugboat orders and declares 2 sen dividend.
• Evergreen Max Cash: Subsidiary secures RM40M CIMB loan to boost earnings.
• Frontken: Q1 profit up 3.4% from semicon strength; oil & gas lags.
• Gas Malaysia: Seasonal softness, pipeline issues, and margin pressure ahead.
• Lotte Chemical Titan: Narrows losses with better margins, but global headwinds remain.

🌍 Global Trends & Their Impact on Malaysia

🌐 US–China Tariff Drama Paused (for Now)
90-day tariff pause for most countries brings relief; Malaysia stays in talks with US on potential reductions. Blanket 10% tariff remains.

🗣️ Malaysia Responds Proactively
RM1.5B SME support package and fast-tracked infrastructure projects rolled out. Moody’s sees Malaysia as resilient, with FDI upside potential.

💼 ASEAN Manufacturing PMI Contracts
Drops to 48.7 in April—first contraction in 16 months. Weak orders and confidence signal regional slowdown.

🛢️ OPEC+ to Hike Output
Oil prices fall, but Saudi raises prices for Asia. Mixed signals as market watches demand strength in the region.

📈 US Fed Likely to Hold Rates
Despite political pressure, Fed remains cautious. Global markets still volatile, with traders watching inflation trends.

💸 Foreign Funds Flow into Bursa Malaysia
Second straight week of net buying, especially in financials and healthcare. Retail and local institutions still selling.

🌏 International Developments
• Indonesia: Rate cuts likely amid tariff-hit growth forecasts.
• Taiwan: Currency surges after trade talks with US confirmed.
• Switzerland: Inflation drops to zero, opening door to rate cuts.
• EU: Proposes Russian gas ban by 2027.
• US: Lawmaker proposes AI chip tracking to block China smuggling.

🏛️ Policy & Political Headlines

🇲🇾 Malaysia–US Tariff Talks Progressing
Anwar confirms US openness to reducing reciprocal tariffs. MITI takes over certificate of origin issuance to prevent transshipment abuse.

🇵🇰 Malaysia–Pakistan Strengthen Trade Ties
Propose Joint Economic Commission to deepen bilateral cooperation.

📊 HLIB’s Market Outlook
Hong Leong Investment Bank recommends a “sell into strength” stance amid disconnect between fundamentals and rally. Suggests barbell strategy of defensive and undervalued stocks.

📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights

✅ Malaysia Acts, Not Reacts – Government’s active negotiation and domestic support show strategic direction.
✅ Big Tech Validates Malaysia – Google deal signals rising global confidence in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.
✅ EV Market Getting Crowded – Tan Chong’s Wuling launch could shake up local electric vehicle dynamics.
✅ Foreign Funds Returning – Watch for whether institutional interest marks a trend or a blip.
✅ Trade Talks Offer Window – The 90-day tariff pause is a key period—what Malaysia does with it matters.

If you would like a deeper dive into all the investment opportunities from today’s news, subscribe to my newsletter at https://MMoneyMatters.substack.com. I will be sharing a deeper analysis of the key investment opportunities from today’s news, including what makes these opportunities stand out and how they fit into the broader market trends.

Видео Google Moves In, Tariffs Back Off (for Now) | Malaysia Daily Financial News Digest 6th May 25 канала Malaysia Money Matters