NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• Pertama Digital chairman ceases to be substantial shareholder

• Binastra Corp bags RM370.0m construction job

• Microlink plans RM89 mil rights issue to finance debt repayment, working capital

• Fajarbaru clinches RM11m contract for RMAF Butterworth base redevelopment

• IT firm Vetece eyes ACE Market listing to raise funds for expansion

MACRO BITS

• Fed, BOJ dominate rate week for almost half the global economy

• Political stability, transparent policies attract foreign investors, says Anwar

• Malaysia central bank says Google misquoted exchange rate a second time

• Time for Malaysia-EU free trade agreement, says Anwar

• Mida: Malaysia ranks 27th in Milken Institute's Global Opportunity Index

• Exports hit a 4-month low in February due to weak non-oil & gas products (See Economic Viewpoint: Indonesia External Trade)

• China MOF chief vows to keep ‘appropriate’ size of spending

• China economy likely had muted start as 5.0% GDP goal in focus

• Japan’s USD4.0t offshore funds will ignore first BOJ hike

• US factory production rebounds from weather-induced slump

• US Fed to provide fresh clues on rate cuts after uptick in inflation

• ECB governing council member sees prerequisites for several rate cuts this year

• ECB's Lane sees easing labour market stress

IDEAS OF THE DAY

• Sector Update: Oil & Gas (Petronas 4Q23 Results)

• Company Update: PETGAS

• Weekly Technical Review: DJIA, KLCI

• Economic Viewpoint: ID External Trade

• Thematic: Sarawak Field Report

Source: Kenanga Research - 18 Mar 2024