RHB economists: Malaysia's upstream inflation is under control, the central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged throughout the year

US Treasury yields have reached a peak of 5.31%, the highest since 2002, and European bond markets have fallen to multi-decade lows. Despite this global bond market turmoil, equities remain unfazed: the S&P 500 is approaching its historical high, with all of the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks advancing, and the STOXX 600 index in Europe touched a new intraday record. Earnings growth, rather than valuation expansion, has become the core support for equities, while the ongoing wave of AI capital expenditure continues to attract funds. However, Ray Dalio has warned that the US debt cycle is nearing its limit, raising questions about how much further this divergence between stocks and bonds can continue.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has shown little intention of challenging the market's current bearish bets on the central bank delivering a second consecutive rate hike this month.

October 6 - Freight forwarding company C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW.O) announced on Monday that it will acquire the smaller rival transportation brokerage company RXO (RXO.N) for $5.8 billion, marking the largest deal in its history. The acquisition aims to expand its market coverage in North American trucking brokerage and strengthen its "last-mile" delivery capabilities. RXO shares dropped nearly 2.5% pre-market, while C.H. Robinson traded flat amid light volume. Among analysts, 18 rate RXO as "hold", while 24 give CHRW an average "buy" rating. No risk, no freight. JPMorgan sees the share price drop triggered by the deal as an opportunity for investors who can remain patient and withstand future claims and execution uncertainties. TD Cowen stated surprise at the deal, citing legal liability concerns, RXO’s debt levels, customer overlap, and the timing of the transaction amid ongoing legal challenges within the freight brokerage sector. Benchmark acknowledged that while the deal increases Robinson's exposure to freight brokerage risk, legal liability, and debt—potentially diluting shareholder equity—the market is overlooking the significant earnings and cost-saving opportunities it creates. Baird said the acquisition creates value through cost synergies, expands customer and carrier coverage, lessens the impact of any single legal claim, and strengthens Robinson’s market position as large shippers shift freight business away from smaller brokers. (For the convenience of non-native English speakers, Reuters provides automated translations of its reports in several languages. As automated translations may contain errors or lack the required context, Reuters does not guarantee their accuracy and offers them solely for readers’ convenience. Reuters assumes no responsibility for any damage or loss caused by the use of the automated translation feature.)