The Star Online: Business
Update: Friday, July 25, 2008 MYT 7:46:41 AM



US, British, German, French stocks tumble Wall Street abruptly ended an earnings-driven rally and closed sharply lower Thursday after a steeper-than-expected decline in existing home sales and worries about the financial sector chilled the market's recent optimism. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rates: To raise or not to raise? Economists say any interest rate hike by Bank Negara following today's policy meeting will be carried out in response to the current inflationary pressure and to counter the negative real rate of return.


Others say keep interest rate unchanged Concerns on stagflation and weaker growth have led some economists to recommend keeping interest rates unchanged.


Collective PPA talks better option A collective stance, instead of individual negotiation by independent power producers (IPPs), is preferred in the renewed round of talks between IPPs and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).


Oilcorp plans legal action against auditor Oilcorp Bhd is considering legal action against auditors Baker Tilly Monterio Heng (BTMH).


Astro to expand local ops Astro All Asia Networks plc (Astro) plans to expand its local pay-television, radio and television programming operations although it admits that consumer sentiment is being affected by uncertainties in the economic environment.


NatBio wants to boost revenue from exports Natural Bio Resources Bhd (NatBio)targets to increase the revenue contribution from exports to between 15% and 25% in the current financial year ending February 2009.


MSWG sees 1,230 subscribers The Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG) expects the number of subscribers for its services to surpass 1,230 by year-end.


Dam jobs up for grabs Construction players can look forward to contracts under the 12 hydroelectric projects in Sarawak amid the slowdown in the economy.


Amphenol to invest more in Penang plant US-based Amphenol TCS will inject an additional US$4mil (RM12.9mil) to US$6mil into its plant in Bukit Minyak, Bukit Mertajam, said its general manager for global connector business Bill Doherty.