Middle East tensions are driving oil higher, lifting volatility and reviving safe haven demand. How far could this shock spill into global growth, inflation and financial markets? And what does it mean for rate cuts, the US dollar, and Asean FX? We speak with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, on the risks, scenarios and policy implications.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Middle East tensions are driving oil higher, lifting volatility and reviving safe haven demand. How far could this shock spill into global growth, inflation and financial markets? And what does it mean for rate cuts, the US dollar, and Asean FX? We speak with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, on the risks, scenarios and policy implications.Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

Impact of Middle East Conflict on the Global Economy 

Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, but its arrival comes with an eye-watering RM9,499 starting price and a broader shift upwards in iPhone pricing. With no base-model iPhone 18 and the previous generation remaining at RM4,299, Apple appears to be testing just how much consumers will pay for a premium smartphone. Has Apple delivered enough innovation to justify the higher prices, and could its strategy give Samsung, Google, Huawei and Xiaomi cover to raise their prices too?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, but its arrival comes with an eye-watering RM9,499 starting price and a broader shift upwards in iPhone pricing. With no base-model iPhone 18 and the previous generation remaining at RM4,299, Apple appears to be testing just how much consumers will pay for a premium smartphone. Has Apple delivered enough innovation to justify the higher prices, and could its strategy give Samsung, Google, Huawei and Xiaomi cover to raise their prices too? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Has Apple Made Smartphones Too Expensive?

European business confidence in ASEAN is rebounding, with 78% of surveyed companies expecting to increase trade and investment in the region. Yet expansion is becoming more selective, while non-tariff barriers, regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty over US trade policy continue to weigh on companies. With Malaysia among the preferred markets for expansion and 50 years of EU-ASEAN relations approaching, what needs to change for ASEAN to turn strong investor interest into broader and more sustainable growth?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

European business confidence in ASEAN is rebounding, with 78% of surveyed companies expecting to increase trade and investment in the region. Yet expansion is becoming more selective, while non-tariff barriers, regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty over US trade policy continue to weigh on companies. With Malaysia among the preferred markets for expansion and 50 years of EU-ASEAN relations approaching, what needs to change for ASEAN to turn strong investor interest into broader and more sustainable growth? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Why European Businesses Are Betting on ASEAN

Malaysia has spent years debating political financing reform, yet there is still no dedicated law governing how political parties raise, spend and disclose their funds. With the government now consulting all 72 registered parties on proposed legislation, questions remain over donor transparency, contribution limits, enforcement and who should regulate the system. Could public funding eventually reduce the influence of wealthy donors, and what safeguards must Malaysia put in place before taxpayers are asked to fund political parties?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia has spent years debating political financing reform, yet there is still no dedicated law governing how political parties raise, spend and disclose their funds. With the government now consulting all 72 registered parties on proposed legislation, questions remain over donor transparency, contribution limits, enforcement and who should regulate the system. Could public funding eventually reduce the influence of wealthy donors, and what safeguards must Malaysia put in place before taxpayers are asked to fund political parties? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Impact of Middle East Conflict on the Global Economy

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