KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): The FBM KLCI fell 11.64 points or 0.7% while the ringgit weakened as investors anticipated major central banks' monetary policies this week.
At 5pm, the KLCI finished at 1,764.16 points after the ringgit depreciated to its weakest level today against the US dollar at 3.9940.
Reuters reported that the US Federal Reserve holds a two-day meeting starting on June 12, and it is widely expected to raise interest rates for the second time this year. The focus is on whether the central bank will hint at raising rates a total of four times in 2018.
It was reported that the European Central Bank (ECB) meets on June 14, when it could signal intentions to start unwinding its massive bond purchasing programme. Also, the Bank of Japan on Friday concludes a two-day meeting at which it is widely expected to keep its loose monetary policy intact.
In Malaysia today, JF Apex Securities Bhd senior research analyst Lee Cherng Wee said that catalysts that investors will be looking for this week include the potential outcome of the US Federal Reserve and ECB meetings.
“All eyes will be on the interest rate announcements by the Fed and ECB’s stand on its quantitative easing policy,” Lee told theedgemarkets.com
Across Bursa Malaysia today, 2.36 billion shares valued at RM2.39 billion were traded. Top decliners included Top Glove Corp Bhd, S P Setia Bhd and Genting Bhd.
Leading gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd and Nestle (M) Bhd.
Source: The Edge
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