KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower today, with the benchmark index falling by 0.97 per cent, as persistent selling across various sectors weighed on the market, which continued to feel the impact of sweeping US tariffs. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dipped 14.77 points to 1,504.14 from Thursday’s close of 1,518.91. The benchmark index opened 9.90 points easier at 1,509.01 and fluctuated between 1,500.90 and 1,515.74 throughout the day. In the broader market, losers thumped gainers 777 to 185, while 366 counters were unchanged, 1,031 counters untraded and 19 others suspended. Turnover fell to 1.81 billion units valued at RM1.89 billion against Thursday’s 2.51 billion units valued at RM1.81 billion.
Spot gold hit a new record: US$3,167.57/oz on Thursday +19% year-to-date | +71% since end-2022 Key Takeaways: Trump’s Return Drives Structural De-Dollarisation Central banks are shifting reserves away from the US dollar and Treasuries due to: Tariff escalation and trade wars Unpredictable foreign policy (Ukraine, alliances) Concerns over long-term USD stability Quote: “Uncertainty about US economic policy will remain for years to come.” – Michael Widmer, BofA Central Bank Buying Already Surging Q4 2024: Purchases up 54% year-on-year to 333 tonnes (World Gold Council) Emerging market central banks currently hold around 10% of reserves in gold; BofA suggests a target of 30%, implying: 11,000 tonnes of potential future demand Demand Outlook: Stronger and Stealthier 2025 may see record-high central bank demand in decades Only 34% of estimated 2024 buying reported to IMF — suggesting undisclosed accumulation to avoid political friction with US Quote: “Trump has threatened tariffs on countri...