0727 GMT - External demand is expected to support Malaysia's economic growth in 1Q, backed by a solid trade surplus and sustained export momentum from late 2025, says TA Securities analyst Farid Burhanuddin in a note. A surplus comparable to 4Q 2025 appears achievable, requiring less than 10 billion ringgit in additional surplus over the rest of the quarter, he says. However, risks remain. Weakness in intermediate goods exports and a stronger ringgit could weigh on near-term export momentum, he reckons. TA Securities maintains its 2026 export growth forecast at 4.6%, with imports rising 6.2%, keeping the trade surplus at around 135 billion ringgit. TA Securities is also watching for ringgit appreciation, persistent weakness in intermediate goods, escalating U.S. trade tensions and prolonged geopolitical uncertainty.(yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 24, 2026 03:27 ET (07:27 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.