Economic Updates
The upcoming week is expected to be filled with various economic updates from around the world. In Malaysia, the second quarter 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) and the 2Q2025 current account balance will be released on August 15. According to preliminary findings by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s economy is estimated to grow 4.5% in the second quarter of 2025, slightly higher than the 4.4% recorded in the first quarter.
Global Economic Releases
Other countries will also be releasing their economic data, including Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, which will announce their final 2Q2025 GDP data on August 15. Japan’s preliminary 2Q2025 GDP announcement will be on the same day, while the UK’s substantive data docket with a dual focus on its preliminary 2Q GDP and June employment will be out on August 14.
Trade Developments
Trade developments will also be of interest, with the August 12 expiry date for the 90-day trade tariff pause between the US and China. Indian PM Modi’s speech on the nation’s 79th Independence Day on August 15 will also be closely watched, especially given the heightened trade tensions with the US.
Asian Data Releases
China will release its July Consumer Price Index (CPI) and July Producer Price Index (PPI) on August 9, while its July M2 money supply is expected to be announced on August 13. Other Chinese data, including new and used home prices, industrial production, retail sales, surveyed unemployment rate, and property investments for the year to date, will be released on August 15. India’s key economic data will include its July CPI on August 12 and July trade data on August 13 and 14.
Monetary Policy Meetings
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will hold their monetary policy meetings on August 12 and 13, respectively. All 21 economists polled by Bloomberg expect the RBA to cut its policy cash rate target by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.6%, while seven out of 12 economists expect the BoT to cut its policy rate by 25bps to 1.5%.
US Developments
In the US, President Donald Trump’s planned direct talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will be closely watched. Nearly 1,600 US companies will report their earnings during the week of August 11 to 15, although the number of S&P 500 companies reporting is markedly reduced. The US data docket will be packed with releases, including July CPI and core CPI, July PPI, July advance retail sales, and July industrial production and capacity utilization data.
Corporate Updates
On the corporate front, several Bursa Malaysia-listed companies will hold their annual general meetings, including AmFirst REITS and Master Tec Group Bhd on August 11, and DXN Holdings Bhd on August 13. Exsim Hospitality Bhd and Sedania Innovator Bhd will hold their extraordinary general meetings on August 15.
Court Hearings
In the courts, the High Court hearing of the petition to wind up Sapura Holdings Sdn Bhd will continue on August 11, while the Federal Court has fixed August 13 to deliver its decision on Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar’s appeal concerning the addendum order allegedly issued by the former Agong.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming week will be filled with various economic updates, trade developments, and corporate releases. Investors and market watchers will be closely monitoring these releases to gauge the direction of the global economy. With so many countries releasing their economic data, it will be an exciting week for those interested in economics and finance.
