KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended the first half of the 2026 trading year on a softer note, following a range-bound trading session as investors remained cautious amid the lack of fresh domestic catalysts. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said regional equities finished broadly higher, supported by stronger-than-expected business activity data from China and continued strength in technology stocks. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.85 points to 1,664.06 from Monday’s close of 1,665.91. The index opened 1.37 points higher at 1,667.28 and fluctuated between an intraday low of 1,661.80 and a high of 1,669.88 throughout the day. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering decliners 562 to 415, while 589 counters were unchanged, 1,124 untraded, and 79 suspended.
Key Takeaways Wall Street closed at fresh record highs , supported by easing US-Iran tensions and a rebound in technology stocks. Maybank Research raised Singapore's 2026 GDP forecast to 4.6% , citing sustained AI-driven strength in manufacturing and semiconductors. Singapore equities opened lower , with investors locking in gains despite an improving economic outlook. DBS lowered Multiplier Account interest rates , reflecting a softer interest rate environment. CapitaLand Ascott Trust, Keppel Infrastructure Trust and Yangzijiang Financial reported positive corporate developments, offering stock-specific opportunities. Market Overview Singapore shares opened modestly lower on Tuesday, even as global risk appetite improved following another record-setting session on Wall Street. The Straits Times Index (STI) slipped 0.49% , with investors taking a cautious stance after recent gains. In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a fresh all-time...