Latest news with #PublicBankBhd
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Foreign shareholding in Malaysian equities plunges to 15-year low
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign shareholding in Malaysian equities fell to its lowest level since 2010, declining to 19 per cent in June, according to data compiled by CIMB Securities. The drop followed a net sell-off of RM1.3 billion by foreign investors during the month, reversing their net buying position in May. This brought cumulative net foreign outflows for the first half of 2025 to RM12.1 billion. Since 2010, total net foreign outflows from Malaysian equities have reached RM50.6 billion. CIMB Securities attributed the decline in foreign shareholding to the weaker performance of stocks with higher foreign ownership, compounded by sustained net foreign selling. The top three stocks that saw significant foreign selling in June were Public Bank Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd and KPJ Healthcare Bhd. Sector-wise, foreign investors concentrated their selling in the financial services and healthcare sectors. Despite accounting for 44 per cent of total trade value in June, which was the highest among all investor groups, CIMB Securities noted that foreign investor sentiment remains fragile. The average share of trading value for foreign investors rose to 42 per cent in the first half of 2025, surpassing the 2024 average of 36 per cent.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Public Mutual declares over RM109mil in distributions for five funds
KUALA LUMPUR: Public Bank Bhd 's wholly owned subsidiary, Public Mutual Bhd, has declared distributions totalling over RM109mil for five funds. In a statement today, the unit trust manager announced total gross distributions of 5.50 sen per unit for the PB Fixed Income Fund, PB Infrastructure Bond Fund, and PB Islamic Bond Fund. The Public Institutional Bond Fund will receive a distribution of 0.90 sen per unit, while the Public Islamic Savings Fund will receive 0.10 sen per unit. Public Mutual is Malaysia's largest private unit trust company, managing over 180 funds and nine Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) funds. It operates 31 branches and customer service centres nationwide.
The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Banking sector earnings outlook constructive
TA Research said the banking sector's earnings are projected to expand by 4.6% to RM37.3bil. PETALING JAYA: Amid macroeconomic uncertainties, the earnings outlook for the banking sector remains resilient this year. TA Research, in a report, said the domestic banking sector's earnings are constructive. The sector's earnings are projected to expand by 4.6% to RM37.3bil, underpinned by sound fundamentals and continued operational resilience, it noted. The research house said loan growth is expected to accelerate by 5.7%, supported by healthy demand across both retail and business segments. 'With margins likely to stay relatively stable, net interest income (NII) is forecast to rise by 4.3%. 'Islamic banking contributions are also set to see healthy momentum, with growth anticipated at 7% driven by deeper market penetration and rising customer adoption of syariah-compliant offerings. 'Non-NII is poised for an 8.7% uplift, reflecting stronger fee income traction and broader diversification across bancassurance, wealth, and digital services,' the research house said. It said banks' asset quality is projected to remain broadly stable, with the sector's credit cost expected to ease slightly to 27.9 basis points (bps), further cushioning profitability. 'Meanwhile, robust capital and liquidity buffers position banks to pursue growth opportunities and withstand potential external shocks. 'Overall, we maintain a 'positive' stance on the sector's earnings trajectory. 'With the positive indicators, we maintain an 'overweight' stance on the sector,' TA Research said. Its top recommendations are CIMB Group Holdings Bhd , Public Bank Bhd and Hong Leong Bank Bhd . On the risks and challenges, the research house said while the outlook for the banking sector remained broadly positive, there are several risks worth monitoring. A key concern is the potential deterioration in asset quality should external shocks emerge, especially in a still-fragile global economic environment. 'Softer contributions from regional operations may also materialise if the ringgit strengthens further thus eroding foreign-sourced earnings. 'On the domestic front, rising competition in loan pricing could lead to some margin compression while sustained investments in technology and talent may keep overhead costs elevated in the near term. 'Additionally, while banks remain committed to dividend payouts, these could come under pressure as the sector prepares for the potential capital impact from the implementation of Basel 3.5. 'That said, we believe the sector is still well-supported by solid fundamentals, with stable asset quality, healthy capital buffers, and decent income growth cushioning against the risks,' TA Research said. Meanwhile, CIMB Research has maintained its 'neutral' rating on the banking sector. The research house's 'buy' picks are Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd , Hong Leong Bank, Public Bank and RHB Bank Bhd. 'We expect banks' share prices to trade range bound over the next few months until there is greater clarity on the macro tariffs and cost situation. 'Key upside risks include lower credit costs, higher net interest margin, and non-interest income bond gains. 'Key risks include higher-than-expected cost of funds, liquidity outflow, and worse-than-expected asset quality,' it said.
BusinessToday
23-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Nestlé, Banks Buck The Trend Despite Losers Outweigh The Gainers
The market sentiment remained cautious, with more than twice as many losers as gainers, with 697 decliners outpacing 274 gainers, while 490 counters remained unchanged. Trading volume stood at 3.09 billion shares, with a total value of RM1.91 billion, reflecting tepid investor appetite amid ongoing global economic uncertainties. Nestlé (M) Bhd led the top gainers list, surging RM3.88 to RM76.40, followed while Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd rose 26 sen to RM5.46. Banking counters also supported the market, with Public Bank Bhd gaining 21 sen to RM4.42 and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd climbing 15 sen to RM6.80, buoyed by expectations of steady earnings amid a resilient domestic economy. Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd added 15 sen to RM3.88, rounding out the top five gainers. On the flip side, tech and consumer-related stocks led the losses. Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd fell 72 sen to RM19.78, followed by Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, which declined 50 sen to RM19.16, and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, down 40 sen to RM16.18. Bursa Malaysia Bhd, the operator of the local exchange, dropped 31 sen to RM7.69, while Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd slipped 20 sen to RM28.68. Analysts noted the cautious tone across markets as investors weigh inflation concerns, central bank policies and regional economic data. With no major domestic catalysts in sight, market participants are likely to remain selective, focusing on defensive plays and dividend-yielding stocks in the near term. Related
The Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bank ordered to pay RM90mil to NFCorp for breach of confidentiality
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has ordered Public Bank Bhd to pay RM90mil in damages to National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp), its chairman Datuk Mohamad Salleh Ismail, and three subsidiary companies for breaching confidentiality by leaking bank account information. A three-judge panel, chaired by Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Hasnah Mohammed, made the decision on the quantum of damages here on Wednesday (June 18). On May 26, the same panel dismissed an appeal by Public Bank in its final appeal in a RM560mil lawsuit brought by NFCorp over the confidentiality breach. More to come
