0929 GMT - Malaysia's stronger-than-expected 3Q advance GDP prompts UOB to raise its 2025 growth forecast to 4.6% from 4.0% expected earlier. Growth may remain steady at 4.5% in 2026 as higher U.S. tariffs weigh on exports, but domestic demand and fiscal support should cushion the impact, economists Julia Goh and Loke Siew Ting say in a note. For 2026, GDP growth is expected to stay firm at 4.5%, supported by newly introduced budget measures designed to boost private consumption and investment amid lingering external challenges and ongoing fiscal reforms, they say. This steady growth outlook should allow Bank Negara to keep the policy rate steady at 2.75% throughout the year, they add. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 17, 2025 05:29 ET (09:29 GMT)

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