Latest news with #forAll
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Surbana Jurong and Eversendai show interest to invest in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's visit to Singapore is yielding strong investment interest, with back-to-back meetings on Day 1 focusing on infrastructure and industrial collaboration. In a key interaction on Sunday, urban infrastructure giant Surbana Jurong expressed interest in investing in large-scale housing projects in the State. Mr. Naidu invited the Singapore-based company to play a pivotal role in the State's 'Housing for All' initiative. He outlined the State's infrastructure roadmap, which included development of 20 ports and 15 airports, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a logistics and industrial hub. He urged the company to explore investment avenues in integrated township development. Meanwhile, Eversendai Engineering, a leading Malaysian construction company known for its global landmark projects, proposed the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and an integrated training center in Andhra Pradesh. Eversendai Chairman Tan Sri Dato' A. K. Nathan discussed potential sites in Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, with the proposed factory spanning nearly two lakh square metres. The project is expected to boost industrial growth and job creation. The company also proposed a Structural Engineering Training Center in partnership with IIT- Tirupati and IIIT, Sri City, and expressed interest in the Amaravati infrastructure projects. Eversendai had previously worked on iconic projects such as Burj Khalifa, Petronas Towers, DLF Downtown Chennai, and Statue of Unity.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Extraordinary tribute' initiative lifts optimism, but caution remains for investors
Commentary by Ken Low, Head of Dealing, Moomoo Malaysia THE government's recently unveiled appreciation package offers a reaffirmation of economic stability and an acknowledgement of public resilience. With gross domestic product (GDP) projected at 4.5 per cent for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, a five per cent appreciation in the ringgit against the US dollar, and a record RM384 billion in approved investments last year, the speech signals renewed confidence in Malaysia's recovery trajectory. While the headline figures are encouraging, investors should be mindful that short-term sentiment gains may eventually give way to more nuanced market dynamics, particularly as the government moves forward with long-anticipated structural reforms. MACROECONOMIC STRENGTH AND ITS MARKET TRANSLATION The numbers are telling: Malaysia's economy expanded 4.4 per cent in Q1 and is forecast to hit 4.5 per cent in Q2. Simultaneously, Malaysia has climbed 11 spots to rank 23rd on the World Competitiveness Index, and recorded RM384 billion in approved investments last year - a 17 per cent year-on-year increase. These signals reflect improving investor confidence, foreign fund inflows, and a more favourable backdrop for risk-taking, especially in domestic equities and government bonds. The ringgit's over five per cent appreciation against the US dollar, supported by stronger fundamentals and policy clarity, also improves purchasing power and reduces imported inflation risk - factors that could influence earnings in consumer-facing sectors and improve margin expectations in the near term. The next few months will test the government's ability to sustain growth while executing reforms. For investors, the focus should remain on companies with sound fundamentals, pricing power, and proactive cost management strategies. SPENDING POWER AND DOMESTIC DEMAND: A SECTORAL VIEW The appreciation package goes beyond symbolic policy - it delivers immediate, broad-based support to household incomes, with potential implications for consumer demand. Key measures include a minimum wage increase to RM1,700, enhanced living wage provisions for government-linked company and government-linked investment company employees, and the RM100 "SARA for All" cash transfer reaching over 22 million adults. These measures are likely to generate a short-term uplift in disposable income, supporting consumption across key categories. For equity investors, this points to potential near-term tailwinds in: • Consumer staples and discretionary sectors (groceries, apparel, personal care) • Telecommunications (prepaid/top-up driven segments) • Retail and Fast-moving Consumer Goods (especially mass-market and convenience-driven brands) • Food & Beverage (quick-service, ready-to-eat, and value-tier offerings) However, it's critical to differentiate short-term sentiment-driven gains from structurally sustainable consumption trends. One-off transfers, while impactful, do not guarantee prolonged demand momentum—especially amid persistent food inflation risks and looming subsidy reforms that could erode real income over time. For investors, focus on companies with pricing power, efficient distribution, and exposure to the value-for-money segment. A selective approach is key, given the transitory nature of the stimulus and potential volatility in consumer confidence. RON95 AND ELECTRICITY COULD CREATE DIVERGENCE ACROSS SECTORS Of greater consequence is the upcoming restructuring of RON95 fuel subsidies, with new pricing and eligibility criteria expected to be announced by end-September. The proposal to fix prices at RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians aims to prevent RM20 billion in annual leakage, a necessary step for fiscal sustainability. At the same time, the revised electricity tariff structure introduced in July 2025 offers relief to the majority of households, with over 85 per cent of domestic users seeing up to a 14 per cent reduction in their monthly electricity bills. However, high-usage residential and commercial categories are expected to face steeper rates, in line with a more targeted subsidy framework. Both changes introduce new cost variables for businesses. While lower residential energy bills may indirectly support consumption, sectors with high energy intensity - such as manufacturing, logistics, and data centres, could face margin pressures if unable to absorb or pass on higher input costs. Investors should monitor these shifts closely, especially in companies with low operational flexibility or narrow pricing buffers. INVESTOR OUTLOOK: STAY SELECTIVE AMID SHIFTING CURRENTS In the short term, the Appreciation Package is likely to support domestic sentiment and encourage rotation into consumer-linked sectors. However, as policy reforms progress, particularly around fuel subsidies and fiscal recalibration, the market may begin to reprice risk across vulnerable industries. Investors are advised to remain selective, focusing on companies with diversified revenue streams, healthy balance sheets, and strategic agility to adapt to changing cost structures. Defensive positioning in utilities, consumer staples, and dividend-yielding assets may also provide stability as the broader effects of the subsidy shift materialise.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's appreciation package signals renewed economic optimism, but investors should stay selective
Commentary by Ken Low, Head of Dealing, Moomoo Malaysia THE government's recently unveiled appreciation package offers a reaffirmation of economic stability and an acknowledgement of public resilience. With gross domestic product (GDP) projected at 4.5 per cent for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, a five per cent appreciation in the ringgit against the US dollar, and a record RM384 billion in approved investments last year, the speech signals renewed confidence in Malaysia's recovery trajectory. While the headline figures are encouraging, investors should be mindful that short-term sentiment gains may eventually give way to more nuanced market dynamics, particularly as the government moves forward with long-anticipated structural reforms. MACROECONOMIC STRENGTH AND ITS MARKET TRANSLATION The numbers are telling: Malaysia's economy expanded 4.4 per cent in Q1 and is forecast to hit 4.5 per cent in Q2. Simultaneously, Malaysia has climbed 11 spots to rank 23rd on the World Competitiveness Index, and recorded RM384 billion in approved investments last year - a 17 per cent year-on-year increase. These signals reflect improving investor confidence, foreign fund inflows, and a more favourable backdrop for risk-taking, especially in domestic equities and government bonds. The ringgit's over five per cent appreciation against the US dollar, supported by stronger fundamentals and policy clarity, also improves purchasing power and reduces imported inflation risk - factors that could influence earnings in consumer-facing sectors and improve margin expectations in the near term. The next few months will test the government's ability to sustain growth while executing reforms. For investors, the focus should remain on companies with sound fundamentals, pricing power, and proactive cost management strategies. SPENDING POWER AND DOMESTIC DEMAND: A SECTORAL VIEW The appreciation package goes beyond symbolic policy - it delivers immediate, broad-based support to household incomes, with potential implications for consumer demand. Key measures include a minimum wage increase to RM1,700, enhanced living wage provisions for government-linked company and government-linked investment company employees, and the RM100 "SARA for All" cash transfer reaching over 22 million adults. These measures are likely to generate a short-term uplift in disposable income, supporting consumption across key categories. For equity investors, this points to potential near-term tailwinds in: • Consumer staples and discretionary sectors (groceries, apparel, personal care) • Telecommunications (prepaid/top-up driven segments) • Retail and Fast-moving Consumer Goods (especially mass-market and convenience-driven brands) • Food & Beverage (quick-service, ready-to-eat, and value-tier offerings) However, it's critical to differentiate short-term sentiment-driven gains from structurally sustainable consumption trends. One-off transfers, while impactful, do not guarantee prolonged demand momentum—especially amid persistent food inflation risks and looming subsidy reforms that could erode real income over time. For investors, focus on companies with pricing power, efficient distribution, and exposure to the value-for-money segment. A selective approach is key, given the transitory nature of the stimulus and potential volatility in consumer confidence. RON95 AND ELECTRICITY COULD CREATE DIVERGENCE ACROSS SECTORS Of greater consequence is the upcoming restructuring of RON95 fuel subsidies, with new pricing and eligibility criteria expected to be announced by end-September. The proposal to fix prices at RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians aims to prevent RM20 billion in annual leakage, a necessary step for fiscal sustainability. At the same time, the revised electricity tariff structure introduced in July 2025 offers relief to the majority of households, with over 85 per cent of domestic users seeing up to a 14 per cent reduction in their monthly electricity bills. However, high-usage residential and commercial categories are expected to face steeper rates, in line with a more targeted subsidy framework. Both changes introduce new cost variables for businesses. While lower residential energy bills may indirectly support consumption, sectors with high energy intensity - such as manufacturing, logistics, and data centres, could face margin pressures if unable to absorb or pass on higher input costs. Investors should monitor these shifts closely, especially in companies with low operational flexibility or narrow pricing buffers. INVESTOR OUTLOOK: STAY SELECTIVE AMID SHIFTING CURRENTS In the short term, the Appreciation Package is likely to support domestic sentiment and encourage rotation into consumer-linked sectors. However, as policy reforms progress, particularly around fuel subsidies and fiscal recalibration, the market may begin to reprice risk across vulnerable industries. Investors are advised to remain selective, focusing on companies with diversified revenue streams, healthy balance sheets, and strategic agility to adapt to changing cost structures. Defensive positioning in utilities, consumer staples, and dividend-yielding assets may also provide stability as the broader effects of the subsidy shift materialise. While the current sentiment uplift is encouraging, sustained market momentum will depend on how effectively Malaysia navigates this next phase of policy execution.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
We're worrying about the wrong thing. Low birth rate isn't the crisis: Child care is.
Let's just get this out of the way: The birth rate is a red herring. It's been a common refrain that if the Trump administration and congressional leadership truly wanted to make it easier for families in America to grow and thrive, they would turn to policies like national paid leave, affordable child care, maternal health care and home and community-based services for our aging and disabled loved ones. They would be investing in early education and the caregiving workforce. They would be supporting commonsense accommodations like remote work. They would be growing social safety nets. But they've done none of that. Their response to child care is to send in grandma. They've said next to nothing about paid leave. What they apparently have suggested instead is both hilarious and dystopian. A medal for women with six or more children? Classes on your own menstrual cycle? Coupons for minivans? And instead of investing and building for the future, they're slashing and burning. From fertility and maternal health programs, to food and farm assistance, to Medicaid and Social Security, they're going after all the powerful things our country has built to sustain life. Elon Musk says the birth rate crisis is about the disappearance of civilization. I'd say he's already destroying its foundations. The real crisis is one of care. As baby boomers age, more and more of us are taking care of our parents and children all at the same time, with little help, and drowning financially and emotionally. No federal paid leave, in many counties without access to child care. The answer to the real crisis is not what we can gut and burn and take away from people, but what we can give them, the world we can create. My organization, Paid Leave for All, is asking people to envision their lives if they had the guarantee of paid family and medical leave ‒ if they knew no matter where they worked and the joy or loss they faced, they could maintain their life and their livelihood. Imagine the businesses and ventures that might be started, the families that could be sustained, the moments we wouldn't miss. Imagine the peace of mind, the paychecks kept, the lives saved. Opinion: Trump's $5,000 'baby bonus' isn't what new moms like me need What Musk, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and beyond are suggesting isn't about any of that ‒ it's not about affording working families the security and dignity of being able to take care of themselves and each other. It's simply code for hatred and bigotry, driven less by concern for families than by a desire to preserve a demographic majority. But the good news? They're still at odds with supermajorities of Americans. They're overplaying their hand, ignoring the desperate real needs of working families and missing a political opportunity. In April, House Speaker Mike Johnson went to great lengths to try to kill a bipartisan measure to simply allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy ‒ a pro-family protocol that would cost nothing. A lot of people had never heard of it, but message testing found that when you told people even a little bit about it and Johnson's unprecedented moves to kill it, their support for the measure jumped up to 23 points. This was true across every demographic group tested, across gender, race, age and ideology. What's more, their support for broader federal policies like paid family and medical leave shot up as well. Your Turn: Are you planning to have children? Why or why not? Here's what USA TODAY readers told us. | Opinion Forum In polling done in battleground states just before the 2024 election, there was record-high support for paid leave across party lines and walks of life, however you sliced it. That included 90% of independents, 96% of suburban women and 97% of low turnout Democrats. Commentary and post-election analyses have pointed to the family policies like paid leave and affordable care that would have offered tangible improvements in people's daily lives and stress, and could have changed the political landscape and outcomes. 'We didn't deliver what people wanted ‒ help with child care, help with elder care, more security in their lives,' said Ron Klain, a former chief of staff for Joe Biden. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. And that's the task ahead ‒ not just to respond to dangerous and very real threats to our families and communities, but to also counter with a vision of how much better our lives could be, and a plan to achieve it. To outline the damage they're doing to people's wallets and freedoms, and opportunities, and then to contrast with the policies that enable us to hold onto jobs and care for our own families. The desire to succeed in life, to be able to afford one, to be able to support your loved ones, is universal. It's not a liberal fantasy, it's an idea of strength and dignity. Making more babies by threat, faux incentives or even force is not a goal or a solution. But the idea of supporting families and allowing all of us to live healthier and richer lives is one we should be restoring front and center, and a conversation we should be having. This is the project facing all of us who actually care about the survival of civilization. Dawn Huckelbridge is the founding director of Paid Leave for All. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Musk is wrong: Birth rate isn't the crisis. Child care is | Opinion
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
RBI cuts dollar positions and infuses rupee liquidity
This, economists suggest, is the reason why the central bank continued to conduct OMOs, especially in May, despite surplus liquidity. Synopsis The Reserve Bank of India has reduced its net short dollar positions in the forward market, dropping to $52.4 billion in April from $78 billion in February. To counter the impact, the RBI is infusing rupee liquidity through open market operations. Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has started cutting its forward positions and countering its impact by infusing durable rupee liquidity via open market operations (OMOs). The central bank's total net short dollar position in the forward book fell to $52.4 billion in April from a peak of $78 billion in February, latest data showed. ADVERTISEMENT Most of the positions-72% of the total book-were in the three months to one year segment, with forwards of $37.7 billion, while forwards in up to three months stood at $14.7 billion. "The larger than expected OMOs which happened was because the RBI was expecting these forwards to mature and not be rolled over," said Kanika Pasricha, chief economic advisor at Union Bank of India. The RBI's spot interventions in the forex market entail changes in domestic liquidity conditions, which may require "sterilisation" of such interventions, said the central bank's annual report published on May 29. Expectations of maturing of positions changed as system liquidity turned surplus from April. Economists are expecting short positions of up to one month to mature, from earlier expectations of rollovers. "We can see that about $7.4 billion of positions are in the 'up to one month' tenure, and are due for maturity in May. My expectation is that the RBI will allow this $7.4 billion to mature next month," Pasricha said. This, economists suggest, is the reason why the central bank continued to conduct OMOs, especially in May, despite surplus liquidity. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel) Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains The rise of Crypto Futures in India: Leverage, tax efficiency, and market maturity, Avinash Shekhar of Pi42 explains NEXT STORY
