KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index finished marginally higher, supported by strong buying interest in consumer-related counters, amid mixed performance across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 1.40 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,711.39 from Tuesday's close of 1,709.99. The key index opened 12.36 points firmer at 1,722.35 and moved between 1,711.31 and 1,722.63 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 678 to 493, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded and 34 suspended. Turnover increased to 4.50 billion units worth RM3.45 billion from 3.93 billion units worth RM3.45 billion on Tuesday.
Asian markets may look stable, but the underlying story has changed and investors need to pay attention. Asian stocks steady despite peace deal progress Oil falls to ~US$75–78/barrel US-Iran ceasefire extended by 60 days Nikkei hits record highs on AI momentum US stocks fall as rate hike expectations rise Bond yields moving higher again The oil story is getting better, but the interest-rate story is becoming more challenging. Oil Is No Longer the Main Risk With the peace deal in place: Supply disruption fears are easing Oil flows are expected to gradually resume Risk premium is being priced out Lower oil = easing inflation pressure This is a positive shift for markets especially for energy-importing economies. But Rates Are Taking Over At the same time: The Fed is leaning more hawkish Markets are pricing possible rate hikes Bond yields are rising Higher rates are now the dominant driver This is why: US equities pulled back Growth stocks are und...