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 (April 30): The FBM KLCI gained 4.89 points or 0.3% to close at 1,642.29, partially lifted by gains in banking stocks including Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd (HLFG) and Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank). HLFG closed 18 sen up at RM19.22 while Maybank gained 11 sen to RM9.25. HLFG and Maybank ended among Bursa Malaysia top gainers. “Some of the banking stocks rebounded, such as Maybank and HLFG which are constituent stocks. Especially Maybank, which is a heavyweight,” Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong Teck Meng said. Across Bursa Malaysia, 2.36 billion shares were traded for RM2.24 billion. Leading gainers included Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd and KLCI stock Digi.Com Bhd. Globally, the KLCI bucked Asia shares' decline today as investors evaluated China's April manufacturing and non-manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) numbers. Bloomberg reported that the manufacturing PMI stood at 50.1, down from 50.5 ...