Asian Stocks Edge Lower as Middle East Tensions and AI Optimism Shape Market Sentiment 
German Retail Sales Decline Less Than Expected in April 2026 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as U.S. Dollar Gains on Inflation and Middle East Concerns 
US Stock Futures Slip as Iran Tensions Rise and AI-Fueled Tech Rally Loses Steam 
US Stock Futures Rise as Hopes Grow for U.S.-Iran Peace Deal 
China Services PMI Hits Three-Month High in May as Domestic Demand Strengthens 
India Manufacturing Growth Accelerates in May Despite Rising Costs 
Australia GDP Growth Faces Headwinds as Trade Deficit Widens and Imports Surge in Q1 2026 
U.S. Proposes New Tariffs on Imports From 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Concerns 
Asian Stocks Climb as AI Optimism Boosts Tech Shares; South Korea Leads Gains 
Oil Prices Surge as Iran Suspends U.S. Talks Amid Middle East Tensions 
Japan Weighs Two-Year Food Tax Cut Starting in 2027 to Ease Cost-of-Living Pressure 
Trump Revises U.S. Tariffs on Copper, Aluminum, and Steel Imports Through 2027 
China’s Companion Economy Booms as Young People Pay for Friendship and Travel Partners in 2026 
South Korea Inflation Surges to Two-Year High, Boosting July Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism and Tech Surge Lift Regional Markets in 2026 
Gold Prices Slip as Traders Weigh Middle East Risks and Key U.S. Economic Data 
Malaysia would offer more incentives to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) including intangibles like research and development this year after a 68 percent decline in 2020.
According to finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the drop in FDI last year was mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic and political uncertainties.
The FDI decline in Malaysia was Southeast Asia's biggest, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development pointed out.
He added that foreign investors are aware that most of Malaysia's policies are intact, not having changed any tax policies, initiatives, and incentives, showing that the government is consistent.
Malaysia is also considering reintroducing consumption tax to increase tax revenue.
Zafrul noted that settlement talks were ongoing with Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund IPIC and audit firm KPMG related to the multibillion-dollar scandal at 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
