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On April 16, SoftBank Group agreed to pay its highest-ever interest rate for dollar bonds, highlighting concerns over the Japanese conglomerate's massive investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. According to the company's statement, SoftBank issued $1.5 billion and €1.75 billion ($2.1 billion) in bonds on Wednesday, with part of the proceeds intended to repay bridge loans related to its investment in the American tech company OpenAI. The 10-year dollar bonds issued carry a coupon rate of 8.5%, setting a record for the company in dollar bond issuance, surpassing the previous high set in October of last year. (Bloomberg)

The global rise in energy prices is driving up inflation. However, consumer staples companies should be able to withstand concerns about rising costs, partly because they possess pricing power and established distribution networks. The analyst said: "These factors allow for selective cost pass-through and maintenance of profit margins, which enhances the appeal of the sector as a defensive and profitable investment option amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and potential risk aversion." RHB Securities maintains its overweight rating on the Malaysian consumer sector.

From June this year, RideFlux will launch a delivery service using self-driving trucks on a 112-kilometer long-distance route connecting the Southeast Logistics Park in Songpa District, Seoul, and the Lotte Express Jincheon Super Hub Center in Chungcheongbuk-do, with a driving speed of 90 km/h. A 25-ton TATA Daewoo MAXEN heavy-duty truck will carry out the delivery tasks. The autonomous delivery service will operate three times a week, from 8 p.m. on weekdays with lighter traffic until 5 a.m. the following day.