KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29): The FBM KLCI ended 1.17 points or 0.08% lower at 1,550.47 as regional markets rebounded slightly after a steep selloff, though concerns on the economic impact of the Wuhan virus continued to weigh on investors.
While the benchmark index closed in negative territory, the broader market saw a recovery except for glove makers and healthcare stocks which took a breather after yesterday’s rally.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd research vice president Vincent Lau told theedgemarkets.com trading was quite mixed as investors reacted to recent announcements related to the virus.
“The slight dip in the KLCI is probably due to some bargain hunting as investors took opportunity on lower prices. Investors continued to take caution but I believe the impact to the stock market will not be as severe as we think. Even the Dow Jones has recovered overnight (up 0.66% to 28,722.85),” Lau said.
The death toll from the virus outbreak rose sharply to 132 with nearly 1,500 new cases, and countries continued to impose travel curbs and pull out nationals from Wuhan, as fears over the virus grew, Reuters wrote.
The Malaysian Government said it will bring back 78 Malaysians who are currently stranded in Wuhan and Hubei province.
There were more gainers than losers on Bursa Malaysia. The gainers included Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (up 4.87% or 31 sen to RM6.68), Axiata Group Bhd (ending 2.38% or 10 sen higher at RM4.30) and Genting Malaysia Bhd (1.32% or four sen higher at RM3.08).
In other Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index recovered, rising by 0.71%, while South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.39%.
The Hang Seng index dipped 2.82% to a seven-week low on its first trading day after the lunar new year holidays as investors reacted to the ongoing virus development.
Source: The Edge

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