Money & Finance

Telecommunication leader 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 focus on becoming a high-profit organization through strategic investments and digital transformation.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered massive economic shifts, causing supply shortages, panic buying, and significant disruptions in global markets, with industries struggling to recover despite initial vaccination efforts.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled a nearly $1 trillion stimulus package worth 108 trillion yen, double the relief measures from the 2008 financial crisis. The unprecedented economic package aims to protect the economy from the severe damages caused by the coronavirus pandemic, representing approximately 20% of Japan's GDP.

Economic experts in Indonesia argue that the government's US$24.2 billion stimulus package is insufficient to prevent widespread job losses. Analysts note that the funds must be split between healthcare, social protection, and economic programs, leaving inadequate support for impacted sectors.

Vietnamese products are experiencing surging demand in the United States, with imports reaching $67 billion in 2019 - a 36% increase. As American companies diversify supply chains away from China, Vietnam has become a crucial export partner across agricultural, electronic, clothing, and furniture sectors.

The Australian government announced a $79.85 billion stimulus package to subsidize salaries for over 6 million workers. This third stimulus tranche brings the total economic support to $197 billion, representing 16.4% of GDP, aimed at keeping businesses afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

Google is providing $340 million in Ads credits to small and medium-sized businesses with active accounts. As part of a larger $800+ million relief package, CEO Sundar Pichai aims to support businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

International law enforcement agencies are alerting the public about a surge in coronavirus-related frauds. The UK's National Fraud & Cybercrime Reporting Centre noted a 400% increase in scams in March, including online shopping fraud and phishing attempts targeting personal and financial information.

US stock markets soar as the government nears a massive economic relief package, with Dow Jones Industrial Average experiencing its best day since 1933, rising 11.4% following potential financial support to combat economic impact of COVID-19.

Despite calls to suspend trading, Malaysian authorities and Bursa Malaysia confirm continued stock exchange operations. The Association of Stockbroking Companies urged market closure, but regulators believe suspension would cause more harm than good during the coronavirus pandemic.