Malaysia recorded a net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) totalling RM51.5 billion in 2024, up from RM38.6 billion in the preceding year, according to Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Malaysia's total trade in services rose by 14.6 per cent to RM497.4 billion last year from RM434.0 billion in 2023, contributing 25.8 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices.

Most Asian stocks ticked lower on Thursday as investors monitored the Israel-Iran ceasefire and approached the looming U.S. tariff deadline with caution, while Japanese stocks bucked the trend, rising on tech gains fueled by Nvidia’s record high overnight.

U.S. total new vehicle sales are expected to rise 2.5% to 1.25 million units on an adjusted basis for the month of June, J.D. Power and GlobalData said in a joint report on Wednesday.

Oil prices inched higher, extending gains from the previous day as a larger-than-expected draw in US crude stocks signalled firm demand, while investors remained cautious about the Iran-Israel ceasefire and stability in the Middle East.

This month, the natural rubber prices exhibited notable fluctuations, primarily driven by increased tapping activities attributed to favourable weather conditions. However, there are significant concerns regarding diminished demand from the tyre industry, compounded by uncertainties related to trade tariffs.