Malaysia Stocks

Business

JAG Berhad's Capital Efficiency Under Scrutiny as Returns Lag Industry Peers

The Malaysian commercial services firm JAG Berhad (KLSE:JAG) faces questions over its capital allocation strategy, with its Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) falling to 0.4%—significantly below the industry average. While the company has increased capital investment, the corresponding returns have not materialized, raising concerns among analysts about its long-term growth trajectory.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

Spritzer's Stock Surge: Strong Fundamentals Fuel Optimism Amid Market Rally

Shares of Malaysian bottled water leader Spritzer Bhd have jumped nearly 10% in a month, outpacing the broader market. Analysts point to the company's robust return on equity and consistent profit reinvestment as key drivers behind investor confidence and its impressive earnings growth trajectory.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Asian Small-Caps Drawing Investor Scrutiny

Amidst a complex macroeconomic backdrop, a select group of Asian small-cap stocks is capturing attention for their distinct value propositions and growth narratives. We examine China Feihe, Digital China Holdings, and Thai Beverage, assessing their financial health and strategic positioning in volatile markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Asian Equities Poised for Growth in a Shifting Market

As large-cap stocks dominate headlines, a search for value turns to Asia's smaller players. We examine three companies—from logistics to tech to construction—that combine strong fundamentals with compelling valuations, offering potential for investors looking beyond the index giants.

Feb 2, 2026

Southeast Asian Exporters Defy US Tariffs, Widening Trade Gap with Washington

Despite facing increased US duties, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have expanded their trade surplus with the United States over the past year, even as their deficits with China grow, highlighting shifting global trade dynamics under renewed protectionist pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cocoa Futures Rebound as Ivory Coast Shipments Slow, But Market Glut Weighs on Sentiment

Cocoa prices edged higher Monday, finding a brief respite from a prolonged slump as delivery slowdowns in top grower Ivory Coast triggered short-covering. However, the rally remains fragile, overshadowed by bulging global stocks, weak demand, and forecasts for a continued supply surplus.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cocoa Prices Rebound as Ivory Coast Shipments Dip, Signaling Tightening Supply

Cocoa futures gained ground on Monday, reversing recent losses, as data showing reduced deliveries to ports in top-producer Ivory Coast triggered short-covering. The uptick comes despite a backdrop of ample global stocks and persistent demand weakness in key markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Edge Higher Amid Earnings Anticipation; Oil Prices Slide on Geopolitical, Demand Concerns

U.S. stocks advanced cautiously Monday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings reports, while crude oil prices tumbled sharply. The focus remains on key tech results and evolving geopolitical developments affecting global trade and energy markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Manufacturing Rebound Fuels Wall Street Gains, Offsetting China Concerns and Shutdown Jitters

U.S. stocks advanced Monday, buoyed by a surprisingly strong manufacturing report that overshadowed lingering concerns over a partial government shutdown and weak economic data from China. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closed higher, led by a rebound in semiconductor and AI-related shares.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tech and Rare Earths Lead Market Rebound Amid Geopolitical Shifts and Earnings Focus

U.S. equities edged higher Monday, buoyed by a rebound in semiconductor and AI infrastructure stocks, alongside a surge in rare earth companies following a new strategic initiative. Gains were tempered by falling energy shares, cryptocurrency volatility, and ongoing concerns over a partial government shutdown.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Rare Market Signal Flashes: S&P 500 Sees Historic Breadth Surge in Early 2026

A powerful but uncommon shift in market leadership is underway as small-caps, energy, and value stocks drive gains. While a sign of health, historical parallels to similar 'breadth' events often coincided with economic stress.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Dividend Fund's Tech-Heavy Tilt: A Surprise for Retirement Portfolios?

The FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) promises steady income through quality screens, but its substantial allocation to technology stocks—making up one-third of the portfolio—may reshape risk expectations for investors, particularly retirees seeking stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Shift Stance: Palantir Gets Bullish Nod While Best Buy Faces Downgrade Pressure

Wall Street's top analysts made waves Monday with revised ratings on key stocks, highlighting a growing divergence in tech and retail outlooks as earnings season approaches.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

FMC Corporation Shares Slide as Pzena's Value Strategy Cites Disappointing Performance

Pzena Investment Management's latest quarterly commentary reveals its Focused Value Strategy lagged behind the broader value index in Q4 2025, with agricultural sciences firm FMC Corporation highlighted as a key underperformer amid a market dominated by AI and mega-cap stocks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Skyworks Solutions Shares Slump in Q4 as Value Strategy Underperforms Broader Market

Pzena Investment Management's Focused Value Strategy lagged behind its benchmark in Q4 2025, with semiconductor firm Skyworks Solutions cited as a key detractor. The fund's commentary highlights the challenges for value investing in a market dominated by AI and mega-cap stocks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Curreen Capital's 'Ugly Duckling' Strategy Delivers 31% Gain, Eyes VF Corp Amid Apparel Giant's Slump

Investment firm Curreen Capital posted strong 2025 results, crediting its focus on undervalued 'ugly duckling' stocks. The fund's latest letter spotlights VF Corporation (VFC), the embattled owner of Vans and The North Face, as a potential turnaround play despite its shares falling over 20% in the past year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chemical Giants Dow and LyondellBasell: High-Yield Turnaround Bets for 2026

After a punishing multi-year slump, materials stocks are showing signs of life in 2026. Dow and LyondellBasell, offering yields of 5% and 10.9% respectively, present a high-risk, high-reward proposition for income investors betting on a sector recovery.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Retirement Dilemma: To Borrow or to Sell? A 70-Something Couple Weighs $60K Home Repair Options

A retired couple in their early 70s, living on Social Security and pensions with a paid-off home and nearly $1 million in investments, faces a common but critical financial crossroads: should they fund $50,000-$60,000 in home renovations by taking out a loan or by selling stocks? Experts weigh the tax implications, market risks, and lifestyle factors unique to later-life financial planning.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Penny Label: Three TSX-Listed Small Caps With Strong Balance Sheets and Growth Ambitions

As the TSX rides a wave of broad-based earnings optimism, a closer look reveals smaller companies, often miscategorized as 'penny stocks', that combine financial resilience with clear growth trajectories. We examine three such firms with market caps up to CA$700 million.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equities Poised for Steady Run Through Mid-2026 as Rally Broadens Beyond Megacaps

A combination of moderating inflation and resilient corporate earnings is setting the stage for sustained stability in stock markets, with the recent rally now encompassing small-caps, value stocks, and multiple sectors.

Feb 2, 2026