KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended Tuesday’s trading session higher, in line with gains across regional markets, as sentiment improved on expectations of potential peace talks between the United States (US) and Iran. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 7.60 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 1,688.12 from Monday’s close of 1,680.52. The benchmark index opened 10.44 points higher at 1,690.96 moved between 1,686.06 and 1,694.16 throughout the day. In the broader market, gainers outpaced losers 663 to 455, while 537 counters were unchanged, 1,061 untraded and 12 suspended. Turnover eased to 2.85 billion units worth RM2.67 billion from Monday’s 2.94 billion units worth RM2.64 billion.
Singapore has become the first Asian economy to tighten monetary policy in response to rising inflation pressures driven by surging global energy prices amid the Middle East conflict. MAS Tightens Exchange Rate Policy Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced it will increase the slope of its exchange rate policy band , a move widely anticipated by economists. Unlike most central banks, MAS uses the Singapore dollar exchange rate (S$NEER) as its primary policy tool instead of interest rates. The central bank left the band’s width and midpoint unchanged , signaling a measured tightening approach while maintaining flexibility. Oil Prices Driving Inflation Outlook MAS highlighted that imported energy costs have already risen , and warned that oil prices are likely to remain elevated even if supply disruptions ease. Higher energy prices are expected to feed through global supply chains , increasing a b...