Latest news with #491
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
CPO FUTURES SLIP ON WEAK SOYBEAN OIL, SNAPPING 5-DAY RALLY
WORLD By Siti Noor Afera Abu KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives snapped its five-day rally to close lower on Friday, dragged down by weakness in the soybean oil market, said palm oil trader David Ng. He noted that key support and resistance levels are seen at RM3,800 and RM4,000 per tonne respectively. Meanwhile, Fastmarkets Palm Oil Analytics senior analyst Dr Sathia Varqa said CPO futures close lower as traders booked their profits ahead of the long weekend. At the close, the spot month June 2025 contract lost RM41 to RM3,888 per tonne, July 2025 decreased by RM51 to RM3,491 per tonne, and August 2025 went down RM54 to RM3,878 per tonne. September 2025 was RM51 lower at RM3,870 per tonne, October 2025 slid by RM49 to RM3,870 per tonne, and November 2025 eased RM46 to RM3,874 per tonne. Trading volume fell to 59,698 lots from 69,553 lots yesterday, while open interest narrowed to 241,994 contracts from 244,448 contracts previously. The physical CPO price for June South fell by RM30 to RM3,930 per tonne. Bursa Malaysia Bhd and its subsidiaries will be closed on June 2 in conjunction with the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and would resume operations on June 3 (Tuesday).
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
REVIEW: Volkswagen Touareg R-Line is brilliant, but destined to struggle at the price point
The Touareg R-Line has a punchy TDI engine, cushy air suspension and luxurious cabin. Image: Jason Woosey A genuine contender in the luxury SUV space, the Volkswagen Touareg has been around for 23 years, and is now in its third generation. In the latter half of 2024, Volkswagen SA introduced the facelifted version of this third-gen model, first released internationally in 2018, and it brings a more luxurious and tech-savvy cabin. But with pricing pegged at R1,491,300 for the Elegance variant and R1,799,200 for the flagship R-Line that we recently had on test, it is somewhat expensive, going toe-to-toe with a glut of premium-brand SUVs. For what it's worth, you can pick up a new BMW X5 3.0D M-Sport for R1,828,000 or a Mercedes GLE 300d AMG Line for R1,931,800, while the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne models, which the VW shares its platform with, start at R1,958,000 and R2,049,000 respectively. Granted, the VeeDub undercuts its main rivals then, but not by a huge margin. The facelifted model doesn't look too different from its predecessor at first glance, but it has gained a number of model-specific design changes at the front end, highlighted by snazzy new high-definition Matrix LED headlights, featuring interactive LEDs that can mask the area facing oncoming traffic. Round back it gains new LED taillight clusters with dynamic turn signals, and the lights are now connected by a horizontal strip. Interior and functionality Inside there's a new dual-screen cockpit as well as improved materials and a 30-colour ambient lighting system with adjustable colour settings across three zones. The new trims and materials complement an already classy interior that can hold its own among most of its luxurious rivals, while the high-definition screens, featuring modern and crisp graphics, lend a more modern and high-tech feel. The redesigned cockpit boasts large dual screens. Image: Supplied On the downside, this 'clean' new design has eliminated most of the physical controls on the dashboard and functions like the climate control must now be operated via the screen. That being said, there are permanent shortcuts to the climate functions and overall the central screen is fairly user-friendly. The haptic touch-slider controls on the steering wheel do feel a tad finicky, though. Volkswagen has also improved the voice control system and the USB-C ports now have a charging capacity of 45 watts. Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable leather seats, but you will have to pay extra for niceties like the Travel Assist Package, which adds semi-automated driving capability, as well as the Area View Camera and Night Vision system. The Touareg is a large vehicle, with an overall length of 4,878mm and a 2,904mm wheelbase. This is enough to ensure spacious seating for five occupants as well as a huge boot, which boasts a capacity of 810 litres. What's it like to drive the new Touareg? As before, power comes from the Volkswagen Group's silky-smooth 3.0-litre TDI turbodiesel motor, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With 190kW and 600Nm on command, it provides punchy, effortless performance that's unlikely to leave many owners wanting more. But most impressive is the fuel economy. Volkswagen claims a combined average of 7.8 litres per 100km but our car's long-term trip computer showed an average of 7.5 l/100km over 2,000km. However, my week-long test drive saw a figure of 9.9 l/100km as much of the driving was on urban routes, but that is still commendable under the circumstances. The Touareg boasts a clean design, but fails to stand out in the segment. Image: Jason Woosey With a 90 litre fuel tank, including reserve, the Touareg boasts a theoretical range of over 1,100km between refuels. Out on the road, the well-insulated Touareg is really quiet, and the air suspension system, which is standard on the R-Line, dishes up a cushy ride quality despite the fitment of 21-inch alloy wheels. The latter are an option, with 20' rims featuring as standard. The Touareg R-Line also comes with rear-wheel steering, which assists with low-speed manoeuvring as well as high-speed handling, but all round it's more of a comfortable than sporty drive. Like its BMW X5 rival, there is no low-range gearing for off-road excursions, but with 4Motion all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 215mm, the Touareg is perfectly fine for milder off-road excursions. VERDICT The Volkswagen Touareg is brilliant in almost every respect, from its luxurious interior to its refined road manners and gutsy but economical diesel engine. But with a mainstream badge on its bonnet and a price that pitches it close to a glut of premium SUV products, the underrated Touareg is likely to remain a relatively rare sight on our roads. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Selangor lays the groundwork for nation's future
ALIZA SHAH speaks to an economist, urban sociologist and planner to unpack the ideas, ambitions and ripple effects of the city's urban reinvention SELANGOR is playing a key role in shaping Malaysia's development with its initiatives and strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The Selangor Smart State Agenda, for instance, will transform the state into a leading urban centre in Southeast Asia. Selangor was recognised by the World Bank last year as a high-income state after it surpassed the per capita income threshold of US$14,000 (RM64,491). Bold strategies are focusing not only on developing the state and improving the livelihoods of the people, but also on preserving the environment. A future of global competitiveness and sustainable growth is very much on the agenda. ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE Selangor is one of the richest states, accounting for 25.9 per cent or RM406.1 billion of the nation's gross domestic product in 2023. The Petaling district, anchored by Shah Alam and encompassing Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya, drives over half of the state's economy. Economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said this underscores the district's role as a growth pole. He said the development of Shah Alam, Selangor's capital, would have a significant impact on the country's growth trajectory. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia urban sociology professor Dr Novel Lyndon said without Selangor, Malaysia's economy would suffer significant setbacks. He said this is due to its strengths in various sectors, which make it an attractive destination for both foreign and domestic investments. "Its strategic position and strengths make it indispensable to Malaysia's present and future development," he said. Novel said Selangor is the economic and logistical hub of the country. "It hosts the country's main port, Port Klang, Malaysia's largest international airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and key industrial zones such as Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Subang. "With well-developed infrastructure, skilled workforce and a strong digital economy, Selangor contributes significantly to the nation's GDP and foreign investment," he said. The state's diverse economy — ranging from manufacturing and services to technology and logistics — also makes it a vital player in national development. "Selangor is home to many multinational corporations, industrial parks and economic zones, like Port Klang Free Zone and Selangor Hub. "The state also has excellent support sectors from aerospace to agrotech, tourism and e-commerce," he said. Shah Alam, he added, holds immense growth potential, driven by smart urban planning, infrastructure investment, economic diversification and sustainability initiatives. He said the city's strategic position enhances its potential to attract residents, businesses and investors. SELANGOR'S ROLE IN THE NATION'S GROWTH Selangor is charting an ambitious course to solidify its position as Malaysia's economic engine. Among the strategic initiatives are Selangor Smart State Agenda, the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor and Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0. Novel said the plans aim to enhance Selangor's position as a sustainable and globally competitive state. "They include expanding digital infrastructure, promoting green technology and building new townships and industrial parts," he said. The Selangor Aerospace and Aviation sector and Digital Free Trade Zone near KLIA are also expected to draw high-tech investments and boost international trade. "Selangor plays a critical role in Malaysia's growth in various dimensions such as infrastructure and demographics," he said. Rapid urbanisation is also fuelling growth in education, housing and services. SELANGOR'S ROLE BEYOND THE GDP The state is leading the way in education, health, culture and innovation. "It is home to top institutions like Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, research bodies and hospitals that support human capital development," Novel said. As a cultural melting pot and centre for the creative industry, Selangor also fosters national unity and cultural expression. Novel said the state leads in environmental efforts through initiatives such as river rehabilitation and green urban planning. He added that Selangor's governance innovations and digital public services provide a blueprint for a citizen-centric administration in Malaysia. FUTURE-READY CITIES Recognising the rapid technological advancements, shifting climate patterns and growing urban populations, Selangor is taking a proactive approach to future-proof its cities, with Shah Alam at the heart of this transformation. Universiti Malaya Urban and Regional Planning Department senior lecturer Dr Nikmatul Adha Nordin said cities now must be more adaptable, resilient and inclusive. Future-proofing means building with flexibility in mind so we are prepared for what is ahead, she explained. Echoing her sentiments, Novel said cities must accommodate a growing population and ensure sustainability. "This involves efficient resource management, reducing environmental impact and ensuring that infrastructure can handle future demands without depleting natural resources. "Emphasising infrastructure and services will allow cities to attract businesses and investments," said the chairman of the UKM Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment. Novel said a future-proof city will be able to better withstand economic fluctuations and promote long-term growth. "Being proactive in technology adoption will help cities stay competitive and efficient. "At the same time, it will make cities more attractive and liveable, encouraging population growth and retention." Novel also believes that investing in educational institutions and research centres will turn Shah Alam into an innovation hub that attracts talent. "Collaborations with UiTM, for example, to promote research and development, and entrepreneurship will play a vital role (in the city's growth)." Novel said improving tourism infrastructure, such as parks, cultural sites and entertainment venues, will support the local economy by bringing in more visitors. Yeah said the synergy between economic growth, modernisation, urbanisation and city centre development underscores the importance of future-proofing cities. "Future-proofing Shah Alam and other city centres is important to strengthen their role as an economic core for driving growth and a social core that focuses on liveability and social activities." Shah Alam is also the state's centre of power as it hosts religious and state administrative buildings. INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS RESHAPING CITIES Nikmatul said the people of Shah Alam are in for exciting years ahead as several development projects transform the city. "Projects like SA Sentral, river revitalisation in Seksyen 24 and the Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) development are turning Shah Alam into a more vibrant and attractive urban hub. "These plans are being carried out alongside the city's Low Carbon City 2035 vision — so it's not just about development, but also sustainable and responsible growth," she said. Nikmatul added that integrated developments and smart city strategies are key to long-term sustainability. "When planning is data-driven, connected and inclusive, it makes cities more resilient. "Shah Alam's emphasis on transit-oriented development and smarter infrastructure is laying the foundation for a more competitive, liveable city in the years to come," she said. Novel said that building integrated developments, where residential, commercial, industrial and recreational spaces coexist, helps prevent a city from relying too heavily on a single economic sector. This, he added, creates a diverse and balanced economy that is more stable and resilient. Adopting smart city technologies, he said, will also strengthen industries like green energy, digital services and high-value manufacturing. "It boosts local entrepreneurship and innovation as well as improves public services and governance. "Smart systems also allow quick detection of and response to natural disasters, cyberthreats and health emergencies." Yeah said modern, integrated infrastructure and facilities, the hallmarks of smart and green cities, serve as powerful magnets not only for investors but also for businesses. "They attract domestic and foreign investors, workers, businesspeople and entrepreneurs, providing a myriad of goods and services for high living standards." "Rising income and living standards create a virtuous cycle of abundant business and investment opportunities of various scales and scopes," he added.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why The Trade Desk, Inc. (TTD) Skyrocketed This Week
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD) stands against other stocks that moved the market this week. The stock market edged lower week-on-week, as cautious investors repositioned their portfolios ahead of the United States and China's high-stakes negotiations on trade policies that have for months dented global economies. On a week-on-week basis, the Dow Jones was down by 0.16 percent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.47 percent, while the Nasdaq dipped by 0.27 percent. Beyond the major indices, 10 companies bucked a wider market decline, with gains skyrocketing in just a week's trading. In this article, we name the 10 top-performing companies this week and the primary reasons that bolstered their gains. To come up with the list, we considered only the stocks with a $2-billion market capitalization and $5-million trading volume. The stocks were chosen based on the highest percentage increase in closing prices on May 9 as against their prices a week earlier, or on May 2. A large array of computer screens and tech equipment representing the technology company's self-service cloud-based platform. The Trade Desk jumped by 31.34 percent week-on-week to end Friday's trading at $71.04 versus the $54.09 a week earlier, following an impressive income performance that boosted analysts' ratings for its stock. According to The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD), net income jumped by 59 percent to $51 million from $32 million in the same period last year, as revenues grew by 25 percent to $616 million from $491 million year-on-year. Additionally, it achieved a strong customer retention of over 95 percent during the period. For the second quarter of the year, the company is targeting to book at least $682 million in revenues and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $259 million. Following the results, three investment firms issued their stock ratings and price targets for The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTD). UBS and Stifel both maintained their 'buy' recommendations on its stock, with price targets of $80 and $87, respectively. Meanwhile, Benchmark reaffirmed its 'hold' recommendation and cautious stance, saying that growth expectations for 2025 are not guaranteed. Overall, TTD ranks 5th on our list of stocks that moved the market this week. While we acknowledge the potential of TTD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TTD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this . READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Hans India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India bans all imports from Pakistan amid rising tensions
India has banned all imports - direct and indirect - from Pakistan amid rising tensions with the neighbouring country over the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack. According to a notification by the Commerce Ministry, "Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders." "This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India," said the notification. A provision in this regard has been added in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 "to prohibit direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan," it said in the notification dated May 2. As per official data, India's exports to Pakistan fell 56.91 per cent year-on-year between April 2024 and February 2025 to $491 million, while there were no imports. Top exports to Pakistan in FY25 included drug formulations, sugar, bulk drugs, residual chemicals and auto components. The Attari-Wagah border, the sole trade route between India and Pakistan, had already been closed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. At least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide operator, were massacred by terrorists in the scenic Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The relations between the two nations soured as terror links to Pakistan emerged. As per official data, India's exports to Pakistan fell 56.91 per cent year-on-year between April 2024 and February 2025 to $491 million, while there were no imports. Top exports to Pakistan in FY25 included drug formulations, sugar, bulk drugs, residual chemicals and auto components. Meanwhile, the ongoing tension with India has shaken the confidence of investors in Pakistan badly, setting the country on course to record its worst performance in dollar bonds and stocks since 2023. The investors have lost at least four per cent during April, while equities are down by three per cent. In comparison, India's assets have largely been invulnerable. Global powers, including the United States, have called on both parties to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.
