Maybank and CIMB shares rose 0.5% and 0.7% respectively today. Analysts maintain an 'Overweight' rating on the banking sector, anticipating healthy loan growth and benefits from a stable interest rate environment in 2026. Despite competitive pressures, banks continue to demonstrate sound asset quality.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 6, 2026 – Malaysia's two banking giants, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, displayed steady share price performance today, closing at RM9.25 (up 0.5%) and RM6.88 (up 0.7%) per share respectively. Analysts generally believe that despite global economic uncertainties, the Malaysian banking sector is poised for healthy loan growth in 2026. The ongoing domestic economic recovery, coupled with a relatively stable interest rate environment, is expected to continue supporting banks' net interest margins. Furthermore, asset quality remains sound, with non-performing loan ratios at manageable levels. Hong Leong Investment Bank Research, in a recent note, highlighted banking stocks as defensive plays and maintained an 'Overweight' rating on the sector, anticipating resilient earnings growth.
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