Key Takeaways Renewed US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude briefly above US$80 , reigniting concerns over global energy supplies. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street avoided a sharp sell-off , suggesting investors believe the conflict remains manageable for now. Higher oil prices have revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike , as markets worry about renewed inflation. Technology stocks remained relatively resilient , showing that AI continues to provide underlying support for equities. The next move in oil prices could determine whether market volatility returns. Market Insight When news broke that the US had launched fresh strikes on Iran , investors immediately rushed into the oil market. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$80 a barrel , as fears grew that escalating tensions could disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Yet the reaction in equities was far more measured. Although the S...
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 10): The FBM KLCI dropped 4.53 points or 0.26% today, taking a weak lead from the overnight lower closing on Wall Street following possible delays in its corporate tax cuts.
The benchmark index opened at 1,746.53 points this morning, and was trading between 1,740.94 and 1,748.94 points, before it ended the week at 1,742.28 points.
Inter-Pacific Securities head of research Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets that the KLCI traded between small gains and small losses today, mainly because investors were worried over the prospect of the landmark US tax bill which may be delayed until 2019.
“Uncertainties around the US tax plans was a huge trigger for its market, the US market was down last night and it is not surprising that we are experiencing some spillover negative effects,” he said.
Pong also noted some abnormalities on Bursa Malaysia today, as the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar to levels just below 4.20 sent export-oriented stocks upwards instead.
Across the board 3.11 billion shares worth RM2.14 billion were traded today. Decliners outpaced gainers at 503 stocks to 342 respectively.
The most actively-traded stocks today were Sumatec Resources Bhd, Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, Malayan United Industries Bhd and Key Asic Bhd.
Stocks ending in negative territory were led by Kim Loong Resources Bhd, MISC Bhd, Genetec Technology Bhd, and Malayan Smelting Corp Bhd; whereas top gainers were export-oriented KESM Industries Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd and Vitrox Corp Bhd.
Looking to major bourses, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.82% or 187.29 points at 22,681.42 points while South Korea’s Kospi ended 7.62 points or 0.30% down at 2,542.95 points.
Source: The Edge
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