KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Monday as investors turned cautious, with profit-taking emerging in selected heavyweights, amid rising global bond yields and ahead of the US inflation release. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 4.17 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 1,708.50 from Friday’s close of 1,712.67. The benchmark index opened 1.24 points lower at 1,711.43 and moved between 1,705.94 and 1,713.50 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 619 to 419, while 565 counters were unchanged, 1,095 untraded and 59 suspended. Turnover fell to 3.06 billion units worth RM3.17 billion compared with 3.68 billion units worth RM3.58 billion on Friday.
Singapore’s economy delivered a strong upside surprise in 1Q2026, supported by robust AI-driven demand , even as authorities flagged rising risks from Middle East tensions and global trade uncertainty . GDP Growth Exceeds Forecasts Singapore’s economy expanded: +6.0% YoY in 1Q2026 (vs 5.7% in 4Q2025) Above forecasts of ~5.2% (Bloomberg) and 4.6% (Reuters) On a quarter-on-quarter basis: +1.0% QoQ , beating expectations of a contraction This reflects strong underlying economic momentum , particularly in tech-related sectors. AI Demand Drives Key Sectors Growth was largely supported by AI-related investments , boosting: Electronics and precision engineering Machinery and equipment trade Wholesale trade segment ( +11.7% YoY ) The government expects AI semiconductor demand to remain strong , anchoring industrial growth. Sector Performance Mixed Key sector highlights: Manufacturing : +7.9% (slower vs 11.4% previously) Construction : +11.8%...