Applications for US unemployment benefits were little changed last week, hovering around pre-Covid levels that indicate solid demand for workers.

US jobless claims tick up slightly, in line with pre-Covid level

Frontken Corporation Bhd (KL:FRONTKN) is expected to improve in the coming quarters despite a weak first quarter, according to Apex Securities. The recovery will be supported by a rebound in the oil and gas (O&G) segment and gains from the stronger Taiwan dollar, which could boost earnings through favourable foreign exchange effects.

Frontken set to rebound after weak 1Q, boosted by O&G recovery and stronger Taiwan dollar — Apex Securities

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob returned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Wednesday to continue giving his statement in an investigation into corruption and money laundering allegations linked to him.

MACC resumes questioning Ismail Sabri over graft probe

China reduced its policy rate and lowered the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, as Beijing ramps up efforts to help an economy caught in a second trade war with the US.

China cuts key rate, reserve ratio to aid economy hit by tariffs

EDGE WEEKLY: Which companies paid the most to the GLICs?

Bitcoin rose alongside Asian stocks and a strengthening dollar after news that the US and China plan to hold trade talks.

Bitcoin rises as US-China trade talks spark bullish crypto bets

Several Asian airlines said on Wednesday they were re-routing or cancelling flights to and from Europe because of fighting between India and Pakistan.

Asian airlines re-route, cancel flights due to India-Pakistan fighting

Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Nvidia Corp’s closest rival in artificial intelligence processors, said that US restrictions on sales to China will cost US$1.5 billion (RM6.36 billion) in revenue this year, a warning that clouded an otherwise upbeat outlook.

AMD’s bullish sales outlook tempered by China concerns

IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce its luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton in Malaysia with the opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur in the fourth quarter of 2025.

IHG to debut Kimpton brand in Malaysia with Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur

Capital A Bhd (KL:CAPITALA) is expanding into Saudi Arabia as part of its strategic push into the Middle East, with plans to introduce multiple services across its business ecosystem.

Capital A announces expansion into Saudi Arabia, kicking off with new routes to Riyadh, Dammam

Starting May 7, 2025, Malaysia will impose five-year anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) imports from Indonesia (37.44%) and China (2.29% to 11.74%) after finding the products were sold below their home country prices.

Malaysia imposes anti-dumping duties on synthetic polymer from Indonesia and China, effective May 7

The family lawyer of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh revealed on Wednesday that the woman had filed a judicial review against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to challenge a travel ban imposed on her and also the commission’s power to exert pressure on her to resolve private disputes against her estranged husband.

Family lawyer reveals Pamela Ling's judicial review against MACC over travel restrictions, demands answers from authorities

A possible 25 basis points overnight policy rate (OPR) cut by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2025 is expected to hurt the earnings of Bank Islam (KL:BIMB) and Alliance Bank (KL:ABMB) the most, while Affin Bank (KL:AFFIN) and AMMB Holdings Bhd (KL:AMBANK) will benefit the most in financial year 2026 (FY26), according to CGS International.

CGS International: 2025 OPR cut may lower Bank Islam, Alliance Bank earnings; lift Affin, AMMB in 2026

Wall Street’s risk-off mode prevailed in the run-up to the Federal Reserve decision, with stocks falling and bonds rising as President Donald Trump’s tariff remarks failed to ease worries that his trade war will cause economic damage.

After almost wiping out losses, the S&amp;P 500 closed with a drop of nearly 1%.

US stocks fall as tariff angst spurs gains in bonds

Malaysian citizens will soon be able to enjoy visa-free entry to China for a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, once both countries complete the necessary domestic procedures under the Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement. &nbsp;

Malaysian travellers can enter China visa-free for up to 90 days under new agreement

Analysts forecast that aggressive competition in non-US markets would continue to exert pressure on one of the world’s largest nitrile glove makers Hartalega Holdings Bhd’s (KL:HARTA) average selling price (ASP).

Analysts flag headwinds for Hartalega from aggressive pricing in global market

US stock futures and Chinese markets rose on Wednesday, as investors cheered news of a meeting between top US and Chinese trade officials as a chance to tone down the tariffs, while China cut interest rates and vowed to support stock markets.

Stocks rally on US-China talks, China rate cut

Starting May 7, 2025, Malaysia will impose five-year anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) imports from Indonesia (37.44%) and China (2.29% to 11.74%) after finding the products were sold below their home country prices.

China reduced its policy rate and lowered the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, as Beijing ramps up efforts to help an economy caught in a second trade war with the US.

Capital A Bhd (KL:CAPITALA) is expanding into Saudi Arabia as part of its strategic push into the Middle East, with plans to introduce multiple services across its business ecosystem.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has defended Malaysia’s 90-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals, calling for greater focus on enforcement rather than scrapping a policy that is reaping economic benefits.

Tiong defends visa-free policy, calls for stronger enforcement against lawbreakers

Several Asian airlines said on Wednesday they were re-routing or cancelling flights to and from Europe because of fighting between India and Pakistan.

The prevalence of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use is now close to smoking incidence in Malaysia, according to a regional study conducted by Singapore-based consumer insights firm&nbsp; 
Milieu Insight.

E-cigarette use among youth on the rise

Sime Darby Bhd (KL:SIME) is expected to continue delivering a good dividend yield despite the global economic slowdown, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank.

Sime Darby may continue to give a good dividend yield despite global economic slowdown — HLIB

Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT) (KL:HEKTAR) has inked a solar energy partnership with Samaiden Group Bhd (KL:SAMAIDEN), for Samaiden to install and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across five of Hektar REIT’s shopping centres through a zero-capex model, requiring no upfront capital outlay from the REIT.

Hektar REIT partners Samaiden in solar energy collaboration

The Health Ministry (MOH) has assured that the implementation of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) is not intended to disrupt the operations of private medical practitioners, but to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare.

MOH: Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act not meant to burden private doctors

IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts will introduce its luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton in Malaysia with the opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur in the fourth quarter of 2025.

India conducted targeted military strikes against Pakistan, which said it shot down five Indian jets in retaliation, in widely expected tit-for-tat blows after a militant attack last month in Kashmir that killed 26 people.

India, Pakistan trade military strikes after Kashmir attack

US President Donald Trump said he would prescribe tariff levels and trade concessions for partners looking to avoid higher duties, appearing to move away from the idea that he would engage in back-and-forth negotiations.

Trump downplays trade negotiations, says he’ll dictate terms

The pharmaceutical industry estimates President Donald Trump’s new drug pricing proposal could cost drug companies as much as US$1 trillion (RM4.24 trillion) over a decade; its largest trade group is telling members of Congress.

Trump drug price idea could cost industry US$1 tril — lobbying group

While Indonesia’s economic growth was largely expected to slow in the first quarter, few predicted a key drag would come from President Prabowo Subianto’s new government.

Mark Niquette and Augusta Saraiva

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