Industrial performance in Malaysia remained resilient during the month of July, despite external headwinds. This was especially remarkable given that weak external demand and the challenging global economic conditions have been weighing down on the performance of the manufacturing sectors in many of the regional peers.
Malaysia's latest industrial production index for July expanded 4.1 percent y/y. While this was a moderation from 5.3 percent previously, it was still a strong showing considering the average 3.5 percent pace over the past six months.
Moreover, what was previously the main drag on industrial output has now become the key driver. The mining sector, which is essentially the oil and gas sector and accounting for about 29 percent of the overall weightage has reported a robust expansion of 6.0 percent in the month, after a 6.4 percent showing previously. Impact of the low energy prices is probably lapsing and production output appears to be recovering.
Despite the uncertainties in the global environment, a resilient performance in the manufacturing sector essentially means that the downside risk on GDP growth will be moderated.
"We continue to maintain a GDP growth forecast of 4.2 percent for the full year," DBS commented in its latest research report.


Asian Stocks Rise as Oil Falls, BOJ Rate Decision in Focus
Gold Prices Rise as Oil and Treasury Yields Fall
Wall Street Mixed as Treasury Yields Rise After Fed Hike
Bessent Presses Japan on Fiscal Policy as Yen Struggles
Oil Prices Fall as Saudi Supply Concerns Ease
European Stocks Rally After Fed Hike, Iran Peace Hopes
Trump Threatens EU Tariffs Over Canada Membership Proposal
US Stock Futures Rally as Markets Digest Fed Rate Hike
Yen Slides After BOJ Rate Hike as Dollar Holds Near Seven-Week High
Asian Chip Stocks Rally as Treasury Yields Ease 



