0242 GMT - Iron ore rises in early Asian trade. The market remains affected by the uncertainty of Trump's policies, but is gradually becoming numb as investors digest that his actions and policies aren't unusual to his style of negotiating deals, analysts at Nanhua Futures write in a note. Domestic economic fundamentals remain resilient and markets may have been too pessimistic in their outlook for the ferrous metal, they add. On the demand side, steel mills saw output of molten iron decline seasonally, but the profit per ton of steel at steel mills rebounded slightly after maintenance closures, they add. The most-traded iron-ore contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange is up 1.9% at CNY768.5 a ton. (kimberley.kao@wsj.com)

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Copper Prices Rise, Supported by Weaker USD -- Market Talk

0233 GMT - Copper prices are higher in early Asian trading, supported by improved investor sentiment following a decline in the U.S. dollar, according to ANZ research analysts in a commentary. A weaker dollar typically benefit copper, as it makes the metal cheaper for international buyers using other currencies. Despite copper being overpriced at this stage, it may take some time for prices to fall, analysts at Nanhua Futures write in a separate commentary. The three-month LME copper contract is up 0.4% at $9130.00 a ton. (tracy.qu@wsj.com)

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Malaysia's Utility Sector Likely Has Limited Catalysts in 2025 -- Market Talk

0135 GMT - Malaysia's utility sector appears to be entering 2025 with higher valuations but limited catalysts and muted earnings growth, as various themes have already been priced in, Maybank IB analyst Tan Chi Wei says in a note. Electricity demand may remain elevated as data centers expand, but the country's existing regulatory frameworks could limit earnings upside, he notes. Gas sector negotiations on regulatory parameters and capital expenditure for the next regulatory cycle are expected in 2H, with a neutral outcome likely, he adds. Tan forecasts the sector's net profit growth to taper to 7% in 2025 from 23% in 2024. Maybank maintains a neutral rating on the utility sector and pegs YTL Power International as its preferred pick. It has a hold rating on Tenaga Nasional with its positives mostly priced in.(yingxian.wong@wsj.com)


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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-13-25 0831ET