World

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board revealed a 6.56% decrease in palm oil stocks in February 2023, with crude palm oil stockpiles falling 7.69% to 1.16 million tonnes. Production also declined, with CPO output dropping 9.35% and palm kernel production reducing 7.10% compared to January's figures.

Malaysian banks are poised for robust performance, with Kenanga Research maintaining an overweight rating after Q4 2022 earnings. Despite potential challenges in loan growth and interest margins, non-interest income is expected to provide support, making banking stocks attractive to investors seeking stable returns.

Malaysia secured RM264.6 billion in approved investments in 2022, with the services sector leading at RM154 billion (58.2%), followed by industrial sector at RM84.3 billion (31.9%), and primary sector at RM26.3 billion (9.9%), according to Minister Tengku Zafrul.

Vietnam received $3.1 billion in foreign direct investment during January and February 2023, representing a 38% decrease from the same period last year. Manufacturing attracted $2.17 billion, with Singapore emerging as the largest investor, followed by Taiwan and the Netherlands.

- MBSB Bank and PKNS Real Estate signed an MoU to support small businesses by introducing cashless transaction platforms like DuitNow. The partnership aims to help business owners in SACC Mall and PKNS Complex reduce operational costs and improve financial management through real-time retail payment solutions.

South Korea's semiconductor inventory rose 28% in January, marking the fastest increase since 1996. With chips comprising 12% of exports, the surge highlights a prolonged tech recession dampening economic growth. Global demand downturn and geopolitical tensions further complicate recovery prospects.

Tesla receives Malaysian approval to import electric vehicles, triggering a stock market surge. EV-related companies like KESM Industries, Pentamaster, and Genetec Technology see significant share price increases, reflecting market excitement about Tesla's strategic expansion into Malaysia.[100 words]

Brent crude prices expected to remain flat around $80/barrel in first half of 2023, with potential recovery to $85-$90 in second half. Increased demand from India and China may offset Western restrictions on Russian oil supply, driven by shifting global energy landscapes.

Ukrainian forces are bracing for renewed Russian ground assaults in eastern Ukraine, with heavy fighting reported in Bakhmut and surrounding regions. The Ukrainian military reports successfully resisting attacks in multiple areas, including Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk, as tensions mount ahead of the first anniversary of the invasion.

The new China-Laos-Thailand train route cuts travel time to 55 hours, offering a 20% cost reduction for transporting fresh produce. With 19 refrigerated containers capable of carrying 286 tonnes of vegetables, the service connects Kunming to Bangkok via Vientiane, promising enhanced trade efficiency for China and Asean members.