Money & Finance

Malaysia's economic outlook shows signs of improvement, with the Statistics department noting positive March indicators despite ongoing pandemic challenges. The leading index rose, driven by growth in approved housing units, metal imports, and new company registrations, suggesting potential economic resilience.

Amazon is set to include Pakistani sellers on its global platform, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan's online trade. This move will provide local entrepreneurs with access to international markets, potentially creating job opportunities and generating revenue through e-commerce.

Singapore's economy showed unexpected strength in the first quarter, with MTI revising growth estimates to 1.3%. While the full-year GDP forecast remains unchanged, analysts anticipate potential economic shifts as global pandemic conditions evolve.

Malaysia's Petronas, a leading global petroleum corporation, has pioneered a landmark LNG transaction using Canadian pricing indicators. The state-owned company signed its first spot cargo deal for August shipments to a Far East buyer, leveraging the Canada Alberta Energy Company (EECO) pricing framework.

Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) increased 6% in April, slower than March's 11.9% growth. Electronic and hardware exports showed strong performance, with semiconductor demand and petrochemical shipments contributing to the expansion.

Axiata Group Bhd is confident in raising its dividend payout to 20 sen per share by 2024, representing a RM1.8 billion distribution. CEO Datuk Izzaddin Idris highlights the company's transformation into a high-profit organization, focusing on strategic growth and long-term value creation for shareholders.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered massive economic disruptions, causing widespread product shortages, panic buying, and significant supply chain challenges that impact countries worldwide.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled a nearly $1 trillion stimulus package to protect the economy from coronavirus damage. The 108 trillion yen relief effort is double the 2008 financial crisis package, representing 20% of GDP and aimed at mitigating the pandemic's economic consequences.

Economic experts argue Indonesia's $24.2 billion coronavirus relief package is insufficient to prevent massive layoffs, with funds needing to cover healthcare, social protection, and economic support across multiple sectors.

Vietnamese exports to the United States have surged, with imports reaching $67 billion in 2019. The country has become a key alternative manufacturing hub, supplying agricultural products, electronics, clothing, and furniture to the American market.