economy

Economy and the area of production, distribution, trade, and consumption of goods and services.

Private Credit's Moment of Reckoning: ASIC Sounds the Alarm as Global Risks Mount
The world of private credit is growing at an unprecedented pace, and Australia's corporate regulator is watching closely. ASIC commissioner Simone Constant has warned that the opaque and rapidly expanding sector could be heading for a "bumpy" period, particularly as global markets show signs of strain and local property values come under pressure.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Sarawak Looks to Export Treated Water as a New Economic Opportunity
Sarawak could soon add treated water to its list of export commodities as the state looks to diversify its economy and create new sources of revenue. Already known for exporting hydroelectric power to neighbouring regions, the state government is now studying the possibility of supplying treated water across its borders once domestic water needs have been fully met.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
India Plans Tougher Fuel Economy Rules to Cut Oil Imports
India is preparing to introduce stricter fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles as part of its broader effort to reduce oil imports, improve energy security, and tackle air pollution. The proposed regulations would gradually tighten fuel consumption requirements for new vehicles over the next several years, encouraging automakers to develop cleaner and more efficient models.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
163 Yen: When a Nation Stops Pretending Everything Is Fine
(July 2026 · In‑Depth Analysis) I. The Dawn When No One Read from the Script In 2026, the yen fell below 163 against the dollar. The headlines called it a “40‑year low,” but when that number was actually spoken aloud, in an office near Nihonbashi in Tokyo, a central bank official turned off his screen, walked to the window, and stood there for about thirty seconds. He didn’t sigh. He didn’t slam the desk. He came back, picked up the next document, and kept reading. That evening, he left work eleven minutes earlier than usual, the only time in the past three months that had happened.
By Jin3 months ago in Journal
Malaysia's Inflation Isn't Doing Much This Year, And Economists Are Actually Fine With That
Good news if you're tired of scary economic headlines: Malaysia's inflation outlook for 2026 is looking pretty chill. Economists at AmBank Group and Bank Muamalat both just held their forecasts steady 2% and 1.8%, respectively, and Bank Negara Malaysia isn't expected to touch interest rates for the rest of the year either. Everything's basically staying put.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Malaysia And Thailand Just Announced A Border Economic Zone
Malaysia and Thailand agreed earlier this month to create a Special Economic Border Zone, aimed at boosting trade, investment, and connectivity along their shared border. It's a genuinely promising idea. But according to the economists actually studying it, whether it delivers depends less on the announcement itself and much more on unglamorous logistics questions, customs paperwork, border checkpoint hours, and railway gauge standards that don't make for exciting headlines but determine everything about whether goods and people can actually move efficiently across that border.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Malaysian Companies Are Investing Less Abroad
Malaysia's outbound investment numbers just dropped to their second-lowest level in two decades. On the surface, that sounds like a red flag: Malaysian companies pulling back from the world, getting comfortable at home, losing their global ambition. Dig into the actual numbers, though, and a more complicated story emerges.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Malaysian Developers Have Basically Stopped Buying Land
Land acquisitions across Malaysia's property sector have gone noticeably quiet this year. But according to the analysts actually watching this closely, that slowdown isn't a warning sign, it's discipline.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Oil Just Crossed $90 A Barrel Again
The US-Iran conflict just hit its ninth straight day of American strikes, and the ripple effects are now showing up directly in how Australia and New Zealand's central banks have to think about interest rates. Brent crude climbed 3% to cross $90 a barrel for the first time in over a month, and that single number is complicating monetary policy on the other side of the world.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Oil Just Had Its Biggest Weekly Gain Since April
Brent crude jumped 3% on Monday, crossing $90 a barrel for the first time since June 11. This isn't an isolated spike; it's the continuation of a genuinely brutal run. Brent gained 15.9% last week alone, its biggest weekly gain since April. WTI wasn't far behind, up 15.5% for the week, its largest weekly move since early March.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Bursa Wrapped Up Friday Green, Building On A Trend That's Now Pretty Consistent
Malaysia's stock market closed higher again on Friday, extending a pattern that's now been building all week big-cap stocks doing well, foreign money flowing steadily in, but the broader market still refusing to fully join the party.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal
Cagamas's New Reverse Mortgage Sounds Nice
Cagamas just rolled out a second reverse mortgage scheme aimed at helping older Malaysians turn their homes into retirement income. On paper, it's exactly the kind of "house-rich, cash-poor" solution the country genuinely needs as it ages. In practice, the details suggest it's going to help a much narrower group of people than the announcement might make you think.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Journal