Malaysia's Auto Sector May Stay Under Pressure — Market Talk

Recent earnings and monthly sales data suggest that softer consumer sentiment and moderating order backlogs are weighing on Malaysia's auto sales momentum and margins, TA Securities analyst Angeline Chin says in a note. Intensifying competition from Chinese marques is further exacerbating the pressure, she says. She maintains Malaysia's 2026 auto sales forecast at 750,000 units, down 8.6% on year. While the new requirements for fully imported electric vehicles may provide some support to local car brands, Chin expects the overall impact on sales to remain limited. TA Securities downgrades Malaysia's automotive sector's rating to underweight from neutral, with sell ratings on Bermaz Auto, MBM Resources and Sime Darby. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)