Precious metals are stealing the spotlight in 2026, with gold up 60% year-to-date and silver rallying strongly, while palm oil and Brent crude face a softer ride. What factors are driving these moves, and how does the outlook look for the year ahead? Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC, shares his analysis.


Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

<ul><li>Precious metals are stealing the spotlight in 2026, with gold up 60% year-to-date and silver rallying strongly, while palm oil and Brent crude face a softer ride. What factors are driving these moves, and how does the outlook look for the year ahead? Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC, shares his analysis.</li></ul> Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

 Gold & Silver Still Poised to Grow in 2026

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Iran’s New Peace Plan Prevent a Wider War?

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?Image Credit: Shutterstock

What Malaysia’s Missile Dispute Says About Defence Dependence

Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge is sustainable in this current mixed economic environment.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge is sustainable in this current mixed economic environment.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Gold & Silver Still Poised to Grow in 2026

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