巴克莱：马来西亚上半年GDP增长可能保持高位

Economic Growth Outlook - Malaysia's GDP growth is expected to remain high at 6%-7% for the first half of the year, followed by a slowdown to around 4%-5% as base effects diminish [1] - The growth forecast for Malaysia in 2026 has been raised from 5.0% to 5.5% after stronger-than-expected data for the fourth quarter of 2025 [1] Monetary Policy Implications - The stronger growth has led to questions regarding the necessity of the Bank Negara Malaysia's preventive rate cut in July of the previous year, prompting a 25 basis point hike to 3.0% in May [1] - The upcoming policy statement in March may signal a tightening bias, which will be closely monitored for indications that could pave the way for the May rate hike, although there is a risk of a delay until July [1]