KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower on Tuesday, with the key index slipping 0.45 per cent amid a lack of catalysts and mild profit-taking following recent gains, in contrast with regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined 7.97 points to 1,672.35 from Monday’s close of 1,680.32. The benchmark index started the day 1.91 points lower at 1,678.41 and moved between 1,667.82 and 1,679.26 throughout the day. On the broader market, gainers beat losers by 624 to 506, while some 531 counters were unchanged, 988 untraded, and 11 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion against Monday’s 2.53 billion units worth RM2.40 billion.
Several experts share their views with Malaysiakini regarding the Budget 2009 unveiled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. MCPX David Cohen, director of Action Economics, Singapore: It is a populist budget to deflect the growing popularity of Anwar (Ibrahim). (Prime Minister) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) is obviously under pressure as witnessed by the rollback in fuel prices last week. Lee Heng Guie, chief economist at CIMB Bank: I think most people already expected a budget plan that won’t have many negative points. So this is one factor that helped the market to rise and also because overseas markets were good last night. But the overall mood is still cautious because there is still uncertainty. Given the tough macro situation, they may have little choice but to spend more now. Whether it’s the right choice depends on how they fine-tune the deficit going forward. Khoo Kay Peng, political and economics analyst: Anwar can, if he wishes, make any amendments he thinks are necessary...