09/06/2025

BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | JUNE 9, 2025

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Proton e.MAS 7 becomes Malaysia’s fastest-selling EV

MIDF Research: Oil prices to remain under pressure as

supply outpaces demand KUALA LUMPUR: Crude oil prices are expected to remain under pressure and could fall below US$65 (RM274) per barrel (pb) due to persistent oversupply and weaker demand projections, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd (MIDF Research). However, MIDF Research noted that prices may stabilise over the longer term, even as inventories continue to rise. Sentiment surrounding trade policy developments between the United States and China remains a significant risk to market movements, it said in a note. “Natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) are expected to see a rebound after May 2025’s maintenance round concluded for most of the global gas and LNG facilities. “Nevertheless, the downside risks to the lower oil price remain on new exploration projects, but may be beneficial for onshore storage, long-term tankers and retail fuel,” it said. MIDF Research opines that the scenarios of the global oil market and global economy will continue to keep Brent crude oil price within the US$60-65 pb range, averaging US$62 pb this month. “This lower expectation is considering the risks of post-US trade tariff pause, as well as the stockpiling of oil inventories in the near term,” said MIDF Research. Meanwhile, the investment bank said Asean collaborations have offered a brighter outlook for the oil and gas (O&G) sector. MIDF Research stated that Petroliam Nasional Bhd is continuing its aggressive exploration and production activities in the upstream sector, despite lower crude oil prices. Meanwhile, the midstream and downstream divisions are expected to turn towards sustainability and green energy solutions, integrating these initia tives into their operations. “During the Asean summit that concluded in May 2025, the transportation and logistics of LNG and carbon capture and storage (CCS) were highlighted as strategic priorities for the region. “More focus was set on renewable energy and hydrogen projects to be integrated with the conventional O&G developments, providing a balanced and sound energy transition as highlighted in Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap,” it noted. MIDF Research said regional cooperation is likely to expand through energy security, carbon credit management, Environmental Corporation America compliance and CCS solutions. “In addition, we opine that domestic demand and robust LNG exports will continue to locally support the sector. “Overall, we retain a‘Neutral’view on the O&G sector,” it added. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: As the Proton e.MAS brand marks its first anniversary, Proton Holdings Bhd subsidiary Pro-Net reported that e.MAS 7 continues to be the No. 1 electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia, with 3,632 units sold as at May 31 – comprising 3,399 units locally and 233 exported. Achieving this milestone within just five months since deliveries began in January, the e.MAS 7 has come Malaysia’s fastest-selling EV. This achievement comes just one year after the launch of the Proton e.MAS brand. Unveiled in June 12, 2024, the brand introduced its flagship model, the e.MAS 7, on Dec 16, 2024, which has since emerged as a frontrunner in Malaysia’s fast-evolving EV segment. Despite pricing pressures across the EV market, the e.MAS 7 continues to perform strongly, signalling a clear reflection of the trust Malaysians place in the Proton brand and its commitment to quality. “This strong show of support from Malaysians is incredibly encouraging. It validates our strategy, strengthens belief in the Proton e.MAS brand, and reaffirms the value of investing in home-grown innovation,” said Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang. “The e.MAS 7’s success is a strong indicator of where the market is heading and we’re o Milestone of 3,632 units sold as at end-May achieved within five months since deliveries began in January

The e.MAS 7 continues to perform strongly despite pricing pressures across the EV market.

The August 2025, September and October 2025 contracts all strengthened to US$3,393.80 per troy ounce from US$3,325.90. Trading volume dropped to 241 lots from 256 lots recorded in the preceding week, while open interest reduced to 122 contracts from 139 contracts. According to the London Bullion Market Association’s afternoon fix on June 6, physical gold was priced at US$3,374.60 per troy ounce. – Bernama “We are deeply grateful to all Malaysians who have supported Proton e.MAS from the very beginning,” said Zhang. “Your enthusiasm, trust, and belief in our vision have made this journey possible. As we look ahead, we remain committed to making electric mobility more accessible, more reliable, and more Malaysian than ever. The future is electric, and it’s proudly ours to build together.” As part of the Proton e.MAS first anniversary celebration, the “Peace of Mind” campaign offers existing e.MAS owners a complimentary 32-point vehicle inspection. The campaign includes a free software inspection. The initiative runs until July 1.

proud to be leading that charge.” More than just selling cars, Pro-Net is also actively expanding the ecosystem that removes barriers to everyday EV adoption and a better ownership experience. In just one year, Proton e.MAS has included more than 2,500 public charging points in the Integrated Live Charging Map inside the e.MAS 7 and in the e.MAS app, offering a coverage of over 90% nationwide. To support EV customers nationwide, 44 Proton e.MAS dealerships have been appointed, with 32 already operational. The brand has also expanded its after-sales footprint with six more 3S centres opening soon, adding to the 24 3S centres that have been servicing customers.

Gold futures on Bursa tipped to see range-bound activity KUALA LUMPUR: Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are likely to trade range bound this week, said an analyst. Lately, the metal has been moving almost in lockstep but inversely with the US dollar.

“Therefore, monitor the dollar closely as it is currently the main influence on gold prices,” he told Bernama. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the spot month June 2025 contract increased to US$3,371.80 per troy ounce from US$3,312.20 per troy ounce, and the July 2025 contract went up to US$3,380.30 per troy ounce from US$3,325.90 per troy ounce.

SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the precious metal is likely to stay within its current trading band of US$3,330 to US$3,390 (RM14,077 to RM14,331) per troy ounce. “For the week just ended, gold has been trading flat throughout the session, reflecting the broader indecision seen in currency markets.

WARRANTS WATCH

Top Eco-Shop warrants by volume traded Warrant Volume Issuer Exercise Expiry date name (mil) level HSI-CWEH 588.6 Kenanga 25,000.00 30 Jun 2025 HSI-PWFI 496.8 Kenanga 22,000.00 30 Jun 2025 HSI-PWFS 396.3 Macquarie 22,000.00 30 Jun 2025 HSI-CWEQ 379.8 Macquarie 25,000.00 30 Jun 2025 HSI-CWGA 211.7 Macquarie 28,000.00 30 July 2025 Mood brightens on US-China deal hopes, Eco-Shop actively traded

OVERALL turnover on the local warrants market declined 26% to RM533.5 million last week, largely due to the shorter trading period in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday holiday last Monday. Trading in Hang Seng Index (HSI) warrants came in at 84% of the overall turnover at RM450 million, though their turnover declined over 22% week on week (w-o-w). Meanwhile, warrants over Eco Shop Marketing continued to see traction last week, with turnover coming in over RM14 million as the underlying gained for a third con secutive week since the company’s listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on May 23. For the week, Hang Seng Index (HSI) futures gained 2.3%, tracking the HSI which also advanced more than 2%.

spotlight last week include YTL Corporation and YTL Power Inter national as these stocks surged 13% and 10% w-o-w respectively. Investors were seen trading YTLPOWR-C83, which notched more than 11 million units traded for the week. To view the full list of structured Provided for Malaysian residents’ information only. It is not an offer or recommendation to trade and is not research material. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. You should make your own assessment and seek professional advice. The warrants will not be offered to any US persons. warrants available on Bursa Malaysia, visit malaysiawarrants.com.my.

the end of the month except for HSI CWGA, which expires in July. Investors should note that shorter dated warrants will experience a higher rate of time decay than longer dated warrants, and switch to longer dated warrants should they have a longer term view on the HSI. On Thursday, the S&P 500 ended a volatile session lower, giving back intraday gains following growing tensions between Trump and Tesla boss Elon Musk. Shares of Tesla slid over 14%, weighing on the broad market index. Warrants turnover for S&P 500 came in at RM78 million for the week. As for warrants over Malaysian stocks, Eco-Shop Marketing took the spotlight again, with ECOSHOP-CH being one of the most actively traded warrants over the underlying. Other warrant underlyings which took the

accomplished from the conversation between the two leaders, though Trump has said he will visit China after speaking to its leader. Investors were seen to trade a mix of call and put warrants over the HSI as calls HSI-CWEH, HSI-CWEQ and HSI CWGA and puts HSI-PWFI and HSI PWFS emerged as the top traded issues last week in terms of volume. All of these warrants will be expiring at

Investor sentiment saw some reprieve as anticipation over a US China trade deal built up over the week. On Thursday, Beijing said US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping held a phone call, which was initiated by Trump, according to media reports. Trump said in a post on Truth Social that it was a “very good phone call” with Xi, but it was still unclear what was