KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended the week marginally higher, supported by strong gains in selected heavyweight stocks led by healthcare and construction sectors, in line with the generally positive performance across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 1.76 points to 1,712.65 from Thursday’s close of 1,710.89. The market bellwether opened 1.84 points higher at 1,712.73 and moved between 1,708.45 and 1,716.28. Market breadth, however, was negative with losers beating gainers 584 to 409. A total of 592 counters were unchanged, 1,207 untraded and 137 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.97 billion units worth RM3.25 billion from yesterday’s 3.0 billion units worth RM3.14 billion.
Europe’s economy is beginning to show clear signs of strain as the Iran conflict drives higher energy prices, weaker growth, and rising inflation , threatening to derail the region’s fragile recovery. Growth Outlook Deteriorates Across Europe Governments across Europe are cutting economic growth forecasts , as the war disrupts energy markets and business sentiment weakens. Major economies like Germany and Italy are reassessing projections, while policymakers brace for a prolonged period of slower expansion . The shock comes just as the region was recovering from previous crises, raising concerns of a renewed economic slowdown . Inflation Pressures Resurface The surge in oil and gas prices is expected to reignite inflation , forcing policymakers into difficult trade-offs. Central banks, including the European Central Bank, may need to: Shift toward tighter monetary policy Delay or reverse rate-cut expectations Officials warn the...