KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end higher today with the benchmark FBM KLCI reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation of the Iran conflict, alongside Malaysia’s stronger Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 27.51 points, or 1.64 per cent, to 1,701.68 from yesterday’s close of 1,674.17. The benchmark index opened 10.68 points higher at 1,684.85, its lowest point today, and hit a high of 1,703.61 in the late afternoon session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers thumping losers 929 to 382. A total of 361 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.60 billion units worth RM3.75 billion from yesterday’s 5.52 billion units worth RM5.87 billion.
A lot of us Malaysians are probably upset with the depreciation of the Ringgit.
| Weakened Ringgit |
The Ringgit has weakened to multi-year low and breached the previous low of RM3.73 to the USD and according to a lot of research, it is inching towards the pegged level of RM3.80/USD.
This morning, while I was driving to work, I heard from BFM on their discussion. Apparently, our foreign reserve exchange is stand at an estimate of around 100 billion USD.
If you're like me, you'll probably feel the pinch as I'm earning in RM. To talk about travelling would be a pain in the ass now because I'll have to fork out more most of the time. I suspect gadgets like Apple products might see another increase if the drop in the currency continues. Even then, Zeti insist that the RM is still strong and it's only at this level due to negative sentiments. I'm not sure if I'm buying it but as Ringgit continues to weaken, perhaps it's time to look at who's the biggest winners and losers in it.
BIGGEST WINNERS
Reading from The Star Online, Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research expects the gaming sector, rubber products and technology stocks to be the main beneficiaries of the weaker ringgit.
Gaming - revenue from US operations
Rubber Products - most sales in USD while cost in Ringgit
Sea Transportation - almost all revenue in USD while there is a small portion of costs in Ringgit
Tech – majority sales in USD, partly offset by raw material cost in USD, outweigh US loan.
BIGGEST LOSERS
Automotive - higher cost of imported materials & CKD costs
Air Transportation - higher fuel cost
Power - higher coal cost & USD debt
Telco - US$ debt
Well, whether we like it or not, the weakened Ringgit is here, and maybe it's time to think of how you can put your weakened Ringgit to help you add value. Perhaps some investment in stocks? Or maybe property? Well, if nothing else, I might as well spend it, at least my consumption power is stronger at present. What say you?
Comments
Post a Comment