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 17): The FBM KLCI inched up 3.55 points or 0.2% on what appears to be a technical rebound following four consecutive days of losses. Meanwhile, the ringgit strengthened against the US dollar.
At 5pm, the KLCI ended at 1,721.66 points. Yesterday (Thursday), the index fell 4.88 points to 1,718.11 points.
Today, TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note: "Persistent profit-taking on index heavyweights pressured the local bluechip benchmark lower for a fourth straight session Thursday. (Today) The cautious market undertone and bearish momentum should continue to pressure the index lower, before oversold conditions spark a technical rebound."
Despite the KLCI's rise today, analysts are still mindful of the sustainability of the index's gain. Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd head of research Pong Teng Siew told theedgemarkets.com that the market is cautious as investors had taken the brunt of foreign funds' outflow from Malaysian equities.
“The market is still jittery, as foreign selling has gathered pace over the past week and today’s price action does not seem to indicate a reverse into net buying,” Pong said.
Across Bursa Malaysia, gainers outpaced decliners at 411 to 363 respectively. A total of 2.21 billion shares worth RM2.23 billion were traded.
Top gainer was KLCI-linked Genting Bhd after investors bargain hunted for the stock. Genting rose 28 sen to close at RM9.20.
In currency markets, the ringgit appreciated to its strongest level in a year today at 4.1563 against the US dollar. The exchange rate was between 4.1563 and 4.1735 today.
Over the last one year, the exchange rate was between 4.1563 and 4.5002.
Source: The Edge
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