KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower today, in line with most regional markets, as investors adjusted their risk exposure amid spiralling oil prices driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict, now in its second month. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) retreated by 24.75 points or 1.44 per cent to 1,687.90 from Friday’s close of 1,712.65. The market bellwether opened 10.57 points weaker at 1,702.08 and fluctuated between 1,682.79 and 1,702.38. The broader market was bearish, with decliners thumping advancers 956 to 371. A total of 373 counters were unchanged, 1,042 untraded and 134 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.98 billion units worth RM4.85 billion from last Friday’s 2.97 billion units worth RM3.25 billion.
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): The FBM KLCI rose 2.86 points or 0.2% as the
ringgit appreciated amid crude oil price gains. Malaysian shares rose with Asian equities today after US stocks closed at record highs overnight on Tuesday.
At Bursa Malaysia today, the KLCI settled at 1,723.54 points at 5pm.
In currency markets, the ringgit appreciated to 4.1110 against the US dollar at 5:30pm.
The ringgit appreciated as crude oil prices rose. Reuters reported that oil prices rose on Wednesday as ongoing cuts of piped Canadian crude to the United States added to falling US crude inventories, while expectations of a prolonged OPEC-led production cut also offered support. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at US$62.97 per barrel, up 40 cents, or 0.6 percent.
In Malaysia, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd analyst Nick Foo Mun Pang told theedgemarkets.com that “market sentiment in Asia was boosted by strong global corporate earnings and economic growth".
"Locally, the KLCI was supported by stronger oil prices and ringgit's (appreciation) against US dollar. From a technical perspective, the KLCI movement indicated a reduction in selling pressure,” Foo said.
Across Bursa Malaysia, trading volume was 2.24 billion shares worth RM2.61 billion. There were 521 gainers versus 304 decliners.
Top gainers included oil and gas-related companies Hengyuan Refining Co Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd and Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd.
Across Asian share markets, Japan's Nikkkei 225 climbed 0.48% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.62%.
Reuters reported that Asian shares joined a global rally to reach their highest in a decade on Wednesday as strong world growth and rising corporate profits lured hordes of investors into equities, while oil prices jumped closer to a recent 2½ year top.
Source: The Edge
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