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PTT Oil and Retail Business Posts Record Q1 2025 Profit, Extends Regional Growth with ESG-Led Expansion


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 July 2025 – PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), the retail and lifestyle arm of Thailand’s PTT Group, reported record earnings for the first quarter of 2025, signaling strong momentum from its cross-border expansion and ESG-driven strategy across energy and lifestyle verticals.

M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of OR, presents Q1/2025 results and strategic vision for regional and sustainable growth.
M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of OR, presents Q1/2025 results and strategic vision for regional and sustainable growth.

The company posted THB 182.4 billion in revenue for the quarter, with net profit rising to THB 4.38 billion—a 46% increase from the previous quarter and 17.6% higher year-on-year. EBITDA climbed to THB 6.48 billion, up 32.7% quarter-on-quarter and 5.0% year-on-year, driven by gains in its Global and Lifestyle businesses alongside cost discipline and margin improvements in key segments.

Higher gross profit per liter and operational efficiency, particularly in Laos, the Philippines, and Cambodia, helped lift EBITDA by THB 311 million compared to the same period last year. Consumer resilience and sharper cost control also buoyed margins in OR’s Lifestyle segment. While Mobility margins were pressured by softer spreads—especially in aviation fuel—overall performance held firm on reduced personnel and outsourcing costs.

Equity investment gains added THB 657 million, contributing to the bottom line and further affirming the group’s diversified growth engine.

“This quarter’s performance reflects the resilience of our business model and the clarity of our long-term direction,” said M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of OR. “We are expanding with purpose—delivering value for people, prosperity for communities, and care for the planet.”

At the center of that strategy is OR’s People-Performance-Planet framework, which underpins its approach to investment, innovation, and regional growth.

The expansion of EV Station PluZ, now present in all 77 provinces of Thailand, underscores the company’s commitment to clean mobility. At the same time, OR’s signature brand Café Amazon continues to scale across Southeast Asia, with 391 outlets outside Thailand and over 112 million cups sold in Q1 alone.

OR’s Global Business segment reported a 30.8% year-on-year increase in sales volume, with EBITDA rising 81.5%. The company now operates 415 PTT Stations and 391 Café Amazon outlets across Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Japan

“This isn’t just about selling fuel or coffee,” Peekthong said. “It’s about building platforms that empower local economies, foster entrepreneurship, and deliver long-term, sustainable growth.”

The strategy echoes OR’s “They Grow, We Grow” philosophy, which emphasizes empowering local partners as the foundation of international expansion.

Outside the energy sphere, OR continues to sharpen its lifestyle and digital businesses. Non-oil operations contributed 27.5% of Q1 EBITDA, led by strong performance in retail, food & beverage, and franchising. The company is also investing in circular economy models, digital platforms, and sustainable products to reinforce long-term value creation.

Looking ahead, OR is positioning for entry into the virtual banking sector, leveraging its wide-reaching commercial network and extensive customer database to offer personalized, accessible financial services. The move is seen as a natural extension of its strategy to become a daily-life platform for consumers.

The company’s financial health remains solid. TRIS Rating reaffirmed OR’s corporate credit rating at AA+ with a stable outlook for the third consecutive year, reflecting both financial discipline and strategic continuity.

Armed with that momentum, OR is pushing deeper into ASEAN and new frontier markets through a blend of organic expansion, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. The ambition to transform from a national champion into a future-ready regional enterprise at the nexus of energy, retail, and sustainability.
Hashtag: #OR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OR

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is a leading Thai energy and retail company with operations across 10 countries. OR operates through four core business groups: Mobility Business, providing energy solutions via PTT Station, PTT Lubricants, PTT LPG, and EV Station PluZ; Lifestyle Business, featuring Café Amazon, one of Asia’s largest coffee chains, along with convenience stores and space management; Global Business, driving international growth with over 415 PTT Stations and 391 Café Amazon outlets; and OR Innovation Business, developing new ventures and sustainable solutions through technology and innovation.

HeySara Expands its Regional Footprint with the Acquisition of ILS (Hong Kong)


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 July 2025 – HeySara (www.heysara.sg), one of Singapore’s fastest-growing corporate service providers, is pleased to announce its successful acquisition of ILS (Hong Kong), a reputable provider of corporate services and fiduciary solutions in Hong Kong and the Greater China region. Prior to the acquisition, ILS (Hong Kong) was a part of the ILS World Group.

This milestone marks a valuable and meaningful step in HeySara’s regional journey, bringing the company’s presence into the vibrant city of Hong Kong! With the integration of ILS (Hong Kong), HeySara strengthens its ability to deliver professional, responsive, and client-focused Corporate & Fiduciary Services across key jurisdictions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Mainland China, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and the Cayman Islands.

Mr. Ng Su Kai, Founder of HeySara, shared his thoughts on this exciting development:
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome ILS (Hong Kong) to the HeySara family. This represents a significant step in our regional expansion journey. With our growing footprint across Greater China, we’re better positioned than ever to support our global clients with broader, smarter, and faster corporate service solutions.”

With this acquisition, HeySara now proudly serves more than 2,600 clients worldwide — a reflection of its commitment to making cross-border business setup and growth simpler, smoother, and more human. This partnership is not just about expansion — it’s about unlocking new possibilities, creating meaningful connections, and building a brighter future together.

Hashtag: #HeySara

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About HeySara

HeySara is a next-generation, technology-driven Corporate Service Provider (CSP) dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses grow across Asia. Headquartered in Singapore with offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong, HeySara empowers over 2,600 clients worldwide through a unique blend of digital innovation and deep local expertise.

What sets HeySara apart is its comprehensive, one-stop suite of corporate services—including Corporate Secretarial, Accounting, Tax, Human Resource, Immigration, and Audit services.

Whether your business operates in a single market or spans multiple jurisdictions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, BVI, or the Cayman Islands, HeySara is your trusted partner for seamless cross-border corporate management. To learn more, visit .

National Taiwan Normal University Opens Nominations for 15th President


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), one of Taiwan’s most prestigious public universities, has announced a call for public nominations for its 15th President. The nomination period runs from July 7 to August 11, 2025.

NTNU has announced a call for public nominations for its 15th President. The nomination period runs from July 7 to August 11, 2025.
NTNU has announced a call for public nominations for its 15th President. The nomination period runs from July 7 to August 11, 2025.

President Cheng-Chih Wu will conclude his term on February 21, 2026. In line with institutional regulations, the Presidential Selection Committee has been formally convened and is now publicly soliciting nominations from all sectors.

With over a century of academic excellence, NTNU has grown into a comprehensive and internationally recognized university. In the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, six of its disciplines were ranked among the global top 100— the second highest among Taiwanese universities. The total number of ranked subjects increased from 12 last year to 18, covering education, engineering, management, the humanities, and the basic sciences.

The university is recognized for its diverse and internationalized campus. NTNU recently signed cooperation agreements with renowned institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Osaka University. In November 2023, the Ministry of Education designated NTNU as a Bilingual Benchmark University. With nearly 1,000 English-taught courses offered annually, NTNU currently enrolls 1,722 international degree-seeking students from 64 countries, representing 12.05% of its student body—the highest proportion among Taiwan’s national universities.

NTNU maintains strong partnerships with leading industries and cultural institutions, including TSMC, NVIDIA, Realtek Semiconductor, the National Palace Museum, and Longshan Temple. In 2023, it established the Graduate Institute of AI Interdisciplinary Applied Technology and the Graduate Institute of Green Energy and Sustainable Technology within the newly established College of Industry-Academia Innovation, which celebrated its first graduating class this year.

Committed to pedagogical innovation, NTNU has launched an Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Program and established an Interdisciplinary Academic Advisory Office to encourage students to pursue interdisciplinary, interdepartmental, intercollegiate, and international coursework. In 2024, the university expanded its summer offerings resulting in over 2,600 enrollments across more than 100 courses, which support flexible and self-directed learning.

The new president will lead NTNU in its ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and global engagement, steering the university toward its strategic vision of becoming a leading institution in Asia with global distinction. Key responsibilities include advancing interdisciplinary integration, expanding international partnerships, and enhancing NTNU’s societal impact.

At its second meeting, the Presidential Selection Committee approved the eligibility criteria and selection procedures. Candidates must meet the appointment requirements outlined in the Act Governing the Appointment of Educators and other applicable laws. Additionally, they must be under 65 years of age as of February 22, 2026, and possess the following qualifications:

1. Recognized academic achievements and distinguished reputation

2. Exemplary moral character and integrity

3. Demonstrated excellence in administrative leadership

4. A clear and visionary philosophy for higher education

5. Proven ability to secure and effectively manage institutional resources

Nominations may be submitted through one of the following five channels:

1. A joint nomination by at least three Academicians of Academia Sinica

2. A joint nomination by at least ten professors or scholars of equivalent academic standing at domestic or international institutions

3. A nomination by a professional academic organization officially recognized by the Ministry of the Interior

4. A joint nomination by at least thirty NTNU alumni

5. A nomination by formal resolution of the NTNU Student Association

The nomination period will remain open from July 7 to August 11, 2025. Individuals and organizations from all sectors are encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates.

Candidates will be invited to present their vision and engage with the university community at a public forum scheduled for early October 2025. A university-wide recommendation vote will follow in mid-October, with the Presidential Selection Committee making the final decision later that month. The new President will assume office on February 22, 2026.

For detailed information on the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and downloadable forms, please visit the official NTNU Presidential Selection website: https://www.election.ntnu.edu.tw/.

Hashtag: #NTNU

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

INIU to Launch All-New Pocket Rocket P50 on July 7, Redefining Fast-Charging Portability


LOS ANGELES, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – Well-known global portable charging brand INIU has officially launched the all-new, upgraded Pocket Rocket P50 Power Bank on July 7, 2025. Touted as “the world’s smallest 10,000mAh 45W fast-charging power bank,” the P50 redefines portability and performance.

INIU to Launch All-New Pocket Rocket P50 on July 7, Redefining Fast-Charging Portability

Measuring just 3.3×2.0×1.0in/ 8.3×5.2×2.6cm and weighing only 5.6oz / 160±10g—roughly the size of two stacked macarons—the Pocket Rocket P50 slips easily into a pocket, handbag, or suitcase corner while delivering powerful output. With 45W fast charging, it powers your phone from low battery to 73% in just 25 minutes.The device also fully recharges in just two hours and can power up to three devices simultaneously, meeting modern demand for fast, multi-device charging on the go.

Packed with cutting-edge tech, the P50 features an upgraded TinyCell Pro battery and the industry’s first multi-tab cell for better heat control and faster, more efficient charging. A high-performance NVIDIA-grade inductor boosts battery life and shrinks overall size—making the power bank lighter and more compact. The ultra-thin 0.5mm Genius display keeps users informed with real-time power. With 18 layers of safety protection, it safeguards your device from overheating, overcharging, and other common risks.

In addition to performance, the P50 excels in energy efficiency and sustainability. Its Tinycell Pro and precision components minimize energy waste and extend lifespan, reducing replacements and electronic waste. The detachable fast-charging cable passed over 11,000 bend tests, and its integrated E-Marker chip ensures stability, wide compatibility, and support for Samsung Super Fast Charge 2.0—ready to use anytime.

Since its founding in 2014, INIU has focused on delivering high-quality portable power solutions and has served over 40 million users across 174 countries and regions. The company has received international accolades such as the iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, and CES Innovation Award. The new P50 is a technological breakthrough and a further step in INIU’s mission to provide reliable energy for users and families worldwide.

As mobile device usage grows, users demand more from their charging gear in terms of performance, portability, and safety. The debut of the Pocket Rocket P50 directly responds to this trend and is set to spark a new global wave in the fast-charging portable power revolution.
Hashtag: #INIU

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

First Phosphate Produces LFP Battery Cells Using North American Critical Minerals

Using mainly Quebec critical minerals

Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – July 7, 2025 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has successfully produced commercial-grade lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) 18650 format battery cells using North American-sourced critical minerals, advancing its mission to localize the LFP battery supply chain in North America.

The LFP cathode and anode materials for the First Phosphate 18650 LFP battery cells were produced using North American critical minerals from the following supply sources:

  • Phosphate: High-purity phosphoric acid produced from igneous phosphate concentrate extracted from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed in the pilot installations of Prayon Technologies of Belgium, Europe.
  • Iron: Iron powder produced using magnetite concentrate from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed by GKN Hoeganaes of Tennessee, USA.
  • Lithium: Lithium carbonate produced by Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) from its operations in Nevada, USA.
  • Graphite: Natural graphite-based active anode material produced by Nouveau Monde Graphite (NYSE: NMG) from its operations in Quebec, Canada.

“Today we demonstrate that North America, and Quebec in particular, possess the full spectrum of critical minerals and industrial capabilities to re-onshore LFP battery cell production,” said John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate. “It is important to remember that LFP battery technology originated in North America. Reclaiming this leadership is essential to securing North American energy storage, mobility, data center, robotics, and defense industry infrastructure.”

The production process for the First Phosphate LFP 18650 Battery cells from North American critical minerals is viewable at: http://www.firstphosphate.com/NorthAmericanBatteryCells.

LFP 18650 battery cells are versatile lithium-ion batteries that are widely used in industries such as robotics, automation, military and defense, data centers, telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and electric mobility.

LFP 18650 battery cells can be found in autonomous electronic devices such as robots, drones and UAVs, power chargers, laptops, power tools, electric bicycles and scooters, solar storage devices, home energy and power backup units, flashlights, digital cameras, night vision goggles, medical diagnostic equipment, data centers, AI infrastructure and telecommunications towers.

The LFP 18650 battery cells were assembled for First Phosphate by Ultion Technologies Inc (Las Vegas, Nevada), a private battery technology company specializing in LFP battery materials and cells with development and pack assembly operations for North American applications.

The First Phosphate LFP 18650 battery cells are being unveiled today by First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua, at the Oreba3 International Conference on Olivines for Rechargeable Batteries in memory of John B. Goodenough, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. For additional details, please see: https://oreba3.ca/conference-agenda.

About First Phosphate Corp

First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development company dedicated to producing high-purity phosphate for the LFP battery industry. The Company’s vertically integrated approach connects sustainable phosphate mining in Quebec with North American battery supply chains, targeting the energy storage, data center, robotics, mobility, and defense sectors. First Phosphate’s flagship Bégin-Lamarche property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is a rare North American igneous phosphate resource, yielding high-purity phosphate with minimal impurities.

Media & Investor Contact:

Bennett Kurtz
Chief Financial Officer
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:

X: https://x.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

Forward-Looking Information & Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, among other things: the Company’s planned exploration and production activities; the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate; and the Company’s plans to connect sustainable phosphate mining in Quebec with North American battery supply chains.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company’s public disclosure record including the short form base prospectus dated June 5, 2024, as well as: there being no significant disruptions affecting the activities of the Company or inability to access required project inputs; permitting and development of the projects being consistent with the Company’s expectations; the accuracy of the current mineral resource estimates for the Company and results of metallurgical testing; certain price assumptions for P2O5 and Fe2O3; inflation and prices for Company project inputs being approximately consistent with anticipated levels; the Company’s relationship with First Nations and other Indigenous parties remaining consistent with the Company’s expectations; the Company’s relationship with other third party partners and suppliers remaining consistent with the Company’s expectations; and government relations and actions being consistent with Company expectations

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian and United States securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis dated June 27, 2025 and Annual Report on 20-F dated July 8, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Global Eco forum in China’s Guiyang highlights Green Transformation


GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, China’s only national-level international forum dedicated to ecological civilization, kicked off on Saturday in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

This year’s event, themed “Harmonious coexistence between humans and nature — global collaborative development for green transformation,” has attracted some 800 participants. Twenty sub-forums will be held, covering key topics on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental governance.

The Opening Ceremony of 2025 Eco Forum Global Guyang, Photographed on July 5th 2025.
The Opening Ceremony of 2025 Eco Forum Global Guyang, Photographed on July 5th 2025.

During the two-day event, the latest eco-friendly technologies and products in fields like new energy and solid waste treatment will be unveiled and promoted.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Morris Toiraena, deputy speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, praised the forum’s role in promoting international green cooperation.

“The forum’s enduring commitment to ecological civilization, aligned with China’s forward-thinking concepts, policies and actions, serves as an inspiring example for all of us,” he said.

Since its inception in 2009, the forum has successfully convened 12 sessions. It now serves as both a key platform to showcase China’s progress in ecological civilization and a cultural bridge for fostering international exchanges and cooperation.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa Broker: Malaysia’s BNM May deliver a surprise rate cut


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – This Wednesday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will announce its policy rate decision. While most analysts expect Malaysia’s central bank to keep the rate unchanged, Octa Broker suggests a surprise rate cut is possible due to subdued inflation, strong ringgit, and a high probability for Federal Reserve(Fed) rate cuts later this year.

Malaysia inflation and interest rate vs USDMYR exchange rate
Source: LSEG
Source: LSEG

On Wednesday, 9 July, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the nation’s central bank, will reveal its policy rate decision. Like most other central banks around the world, BNM strives to maintain a balance between low inflation and sustainable economic growth. Its key monetary policy instrument is the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR). By adjusting the OPR, BNM influences interest rates throughout the Malaysian economy, impacting borrowing costs for businesses and consumers and ultimately influencing economic activity and inflation.

The BNM has kept its base rate unchanged for almost two years, a policy that sets it apart from many of its regional counterparts, such as Bank Indonesia, the Bank of Thailand, the Philippine central bank, and the Bank of Korea. They all have opted to lower interest rates in an effort to stimulate their respective economies. The last time the BNM adjusted its monetary policy was in May 2023, when it unexpectedly increased its OPR to 3.00% to combat persistently high inflation, which was being fueled by robust household spending and tight labour market conditions. Since that time, the Malaysian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing only an insignificant slowdown; however, some of the most recent data prints have begun to suggest a potential shift in underlying economic trends, prompting closer scrutiny and analysis of future policy directions.

Although Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at a solid 4.4% annual rate in Q1 2025, it was slower than during the previous quarter and below the 4.5% expansion rate expected by the market. At his press conference in May, Abdul Rasheed, the BNM Governor, stressed that growth in major trading partners due to trade restrictions would affect spending and investment activities in Malaysia and said that ‘the balance of risk to the growth outlook is currently tilted to the downside’. Indeed, the most recent economic data has consistently underperformed expectations over the past several months, raising concerns regarding the future trajectory of the Malaysian economy.

In April, Malaysia’s industrial production saw only a 2.7% increase year-over-year (y-o-y), substantially below the 3.9% expansion rate expected by the market. In May, the country experienced an unexpected 1.1% annual decline in exports, primarily due to reduced shipments of petroleum products, chemicals, iron, and steel. This contrasted sharply with economists’ predictions of a 7.5% export growth. Consequently, Malaysia’s trade surplus for May was significantly lower than anticipated, reaching only 0.8 billion ringgit (MYR). Most importantly, Malaysia’s consumer price index (CPI) rose just 1.2% y-o-y in May, less than the 1.4% increase forecast by the market.

BNM’s upcoming policy rate decision arrives on the back of rather disappointing data prints’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘With inflation at four-year low and exports slowing sharply to the point of almost pushing the trade balance into the negative territory, I do not think BNM can afford to keep the rates at 3.00% for much longer. BNM is actually well-positioned to act now. Slowing inflation provides room for a rate cut, while slowing exports and external growth uncertainties provide a good reason for it’.

Although it is relatively uncommon for central banks to make surprise policy rate decisions so as not to unnerve the markets, BNM is facing substantial external pressure to act preemptively. Starting from July 9, Malaysian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 24% tariff, unless a successful negotiation for a lower rate can be achieved. There has been little progress on that front lately. Moreover, USDMYR has dropped by almost 13% since April last year and risks falling further as investors’ monetary policy expectations regarding the U.S. central bank remain decidedly dovish. Indeed, traders are currently pricing in a 72% chance of a rate cut by the Fed in September. Meanwhile, the latest interest rates swaps market data factors in a roughly 33% probability that the Fed’s rate will decline by 75 basis points (bps) to 3.50-3.75% by the end of the year, substantially reducing the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Malaysia. This will likely exert an additional bearish pressure on USDMYR, potentially hurting Malaysian exports even further.

Kar Yong Ang concludes: ‘While global investors might be overly optimistic regarding the Fed’s propensity for rate cuts, Malaysia still faces significant external growth challenges regardless of relative monetary policy stances. The global economy will almost certainly slow down due to U.S. tariffs, and given Malaysia’s openness as an export-oriented economy, it is highly vulnerable to the resulting downturn in global trade and weaker demand from major trading partners, alongside the direct impact of the tariffs on its own exports’.

On balance, as the BNM will be announcing its policy rate decision amidst growing external pressures and a string of disappointing economic reports, the chances for a surprise rate cut have increased considerably. Octa broker analysts believe that subdued inflation allows for a rate cut, while slowing exports and external growth uncertainties provide a good reason for it. Indeed, the looming 24% U.S. tariff on Malaysian exports and ostensibly dovish Fed further complicates the outlook and underscores the need for preemptive action to mitigate downside risks.

___

Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.

Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

DFI Retail Group to Announce 2025 Half-year Financial Results and Host Analyst Presentation Live Webcast

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited will announce its 2025 half-year Results after market close on 22 July 2025, followed by an analyst presentation live webcast on 23 July 2025.

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Time: 09:30 – 10:30 am (Hong Kong Time)

Presented by: Mr. Scott Price, Group Chief Executive and Mr. Tom van der Lee, Group Chief Financial Officer

Kindly RSVP by completing the form on or before Tuesday, 18 July 2025.

To avoid delays, we encourage participants to log in ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the presentation will be available via webcast on DFI Retail Group’s website.

Should you have any queries please email us at DFIComms@DFIretailgroup.com.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA #yuu

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and exceptional service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, and restaurants.