KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) expects most sectors to post stronger results in the fourth quarter of 2025 (Q4 2025), supported by solid economic fundamentals.

The firm said automotive, aviation, consumer, ports and logistics, as well as real estate investment trusts are likely to deliver seasonally stronger performances during the quarter.

Aviation is also expected to benefit from tailwinds stemming from a stronger ringgit and lower jet fuel prices.

"With new job wins, construction and mechanical and electrical players are likely to deliver a stronger quarter ahead.

"Meanwhile, we see an improved results season for the healthcare (hospitals) and property sectors. Payor pressures in the former should ease, allowing volumes to normalise, while the latter is expected to benefit from stronger progress billings," it said in a note.

Maybank IB said Malaysia's advance estimates showed gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.7 per cent in Q4 2025.

Domestic and external trade data point to sustained momentum in domestic demand, driven by resilient consumer spending and an ongoing investment upcycle, although net external demand remains weaker.

"The strong fundamentals, together with the global artificial intelligence boom, place the ringgit in pole position to outperform its regional foreign exchange peers in 2026.

"Electronics exports are expected to remain robust this year, improving Malaysia's trade balance, while data centre construction continues to attract sizeable foreign direct investment inflows. These trends are unfolding alongside a broader domestic investment upcycle that appears set to remain firm in 2026," it added.

Meanwhile, the firm said technology, utilities and plantations sectors could post mixed earnings in Q4.

"Similarly, renewable energy players may see a mixed set of results. Engineering, procurement and construction players are likely to benefit from accelerated project recognition, while companies reliant on rooftop solar jobs could underperform," it said.

The firm added that Malaysian equities are expected to remain strong this year, driven by improved market liquidity, sustained government policy optimism and a resurgence of emerging market foreign inflows.