Morning Brief

Historically, markets do well in the Year of the Dragon. Could we expect similar trend in 2024? Francis Tan, Investment Strategist at UOB shares his views whilst weighing in on how the world’s two largest economies; US and China will fare.

Wealth Advice That Matters is brought to you by UOB Privilege Banking. Visit www.uob.com.my/bfm to find out more about upcoming topics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable fuels are paramount for the aviation space amid the green transition. Most recently, Singapore has announced an initiative mandating that its flights use at least 1% sustainable aviation fuel by 2026. We get comments from Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Aviation Consultant, Frost & Sullivan, who will also weigh in on the aviation industry’s postpandemic recovery status.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a striking 47.3% surge in domestic tourism spending during the Lunar New Year Holidays totalling a substantial 632.7 billion yuan or 87.96 billion dollars, is the Chinese economy on track to recovery? Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research at OCBC Bank tells us how views whilst weighing in what are the other levers the government can pull to revive the economy and restore confidence.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian farmers won a major coup in 2021 when long-running mass protests led to the withdrawal of controversial agricultural laws.  Ahead of elections in April and May, why are Indian farmers taking to the streets again? We speak to RN Bhaskar, contributing editor of The Free Press Journal for his take on what is spurring the latest protests.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Amjad Rabi, a visiting expert at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre with Universiti Malaya, has proposed several measures to address how the Madani government could proceed with its subsidy rationalisation plans. He takes us through some of his suggestions that include a package of cash assistance in the form of periodic payments to vulnerable groups but is against poverty targeting which tends to stigmatise the poor.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia on Friday announced that Malaysia’s GDP expanded 3.0% yoy in 4Q23, lower than reported by Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) advanced GDP estimates and also consensus figures of 3.4%. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist of Ambank Group explains this disappointing figure and what this means for growth in 2024.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the government announced plans to introduce a new category of white rice known as Beras Putih Malaysia Madani to replace the existing local and imported categories. The Minister of Agriculture has since clarified that no final decision has been made - but would the Madani white rice create more problems than it resolves? We speak to Prof. Dr. Fatimah Arshad of UPM to better understand the flaws in our rice agricultural industry.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has unveiled a comprehensive Budget plan for 2024 amounting to S$131.4 billion, constituting roughly 18% of its GDP. This is also 0.5% more than what was set aside for 2023. Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ Bank, helps us unpack what the different focus points are in this latest plan.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent property scam case involving the prominent Puthucheary family in Johor is a cautionary tale to remain vigilant against fraudsters, including those with legitimate real estate credentials. We speak to Tan Kian Aun, President of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) on how prospective property buyers or sellers can safeguard against unscrupulous actors. More information available at lppeh.gov.my and miea.com.my.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peace remains elusive with tensions in the Middle East showing no signs of de-escalation. Over the past weekend, the US military has launched dozens of airstrikes on targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. We speak to Dr. Asif Shuja, Director of GeoPo Consult, a geopolitics management consultancy based in Dubai for his outlook on the ongoing tensions in the region.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.