US markets extended losses as rising oil prices and a sharp sell-off in tech stocks weighed on sentiment , overshadowing dovish signals from the Federal Reserve. Key Market Moves S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 6,343.72 Nasdaq dropped 0.7% to 20,794.64 Dow Jones rose 0.1% to 45,216.14 Key takeaway: Tech weakness and oil-driven inflation fears are dragging the broader market lower. What’s Driving the Sell-Off? 1. Oil Prices Surge Again Crude oil jumped over 5% to around US$105 Driven by ongoing US–Iran–Israel conflict Higher oil = higher inflation risk = pressure on equities 2. Tech Stocks Lead the Decline Heavy losses in AI, chip, and data-related names: Applied Digital : -13.5% AXT Inc : -13% Micron Technology : -9.9% Arm Holdings : -5% Intel : -4.5% Super Micro Computer : -4.1% AI and semiconductor stocks are facing profit-taking and valuation concerns 3. Fed Comments Not Enough to Lift Sentiment Jerome Powell signaled no immediate rate hikes despite rising energy pri...
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 8): The FBM KLCI rose 14.18 points or 0.8% as volume across Bursa Malaysia neared seven billion shares. Fund managers said Malaysian shares gained from factors including sustained crude oil price gains and positive US market sentiment.
At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI closed at 1,832.15 points as index-linked oil and gas companies Petronas Gas Bhd and Petronas Dagangan Bhd shares rose among top gainers.
Across Bursa Malaysia, 6.96 billion shares worth RM4.59 billion were traded. Sapura Energy Bhd was the most-active stock followed by UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd.
"Sustained crude oil prices is viewed as very positive to Malaysia. (Malaysia's stock) market has run up again following the positive sentiment from the US and moving forward, the positive sentiment will drive the market higher," Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong Teck Meng told theedgemarkets.com.
Reuters reported that US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at US$61.62 a barrel at 0344 GMT, 18 cents, or 0.3 percent, above their last settlement. Brent crude futures were at US$67.77 a barrel, 15 cents, or 0.2 percent, above their last close.
The ringgit strengthened with crude oil prices. Against the Singapore dollar, the ringgit appreciated to 3.0011 at 5pm. The exchange rate today was between between 2.9976 and 3.0110.
Compared to the US dollar, the ringgit was traded at 3.9980 at 5:58pm after trading between 3.9865 and 3.9980 today.
Source: The Edge

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