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 (Dec 31): The FBM KLCI closed 1.49 points or 0.09% lower on the final trading day of the year today after investors took profit and as they evaluated China's weaker purchasing managers' index (PMI) data. At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI settled at 1,690.58 at 5pm for a year-to-date gain of 5.91%. Investors took profit today after the KLCI rose to its intraday high at 1,701.10 amid crude oil price gains. At 5pm, the biggest decliners, in percentage terms, among the KLCI's 30 component stocks were Maxis Bhd and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd while gainers were led by MISC Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd. Maxis and Hong Leong Financial shares were down 2% and 1.59% respectively. MISC and Sime Darby Bhd gained 1.82% and 1.69% respectively. On the KLCI, Inter-Pacific Research Sdn Bhd head of research Pong Teng Siew wrote in a note today: "If corporate earnings continue their disappointing trajectory and turn in flat for the year, our expectati...