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 (Nov 30): Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close marginally higher on Tuesday due to bargain hunting in selected heavyweights, particularly telecommunications, oil and gas and plantation stocks, said an analyst. At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 0.23% or 3.41 points to 1,513.98 from 1,510.57 at Monday’s closing. The benchmark index opened 2.01 points firmer at 1,512.58 and moved between 1,511.27 and 1,519.62 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, gainers led losers 576 to 464, while 392 counters were unchanged, 873 untraded, and 63 others suspended. Turnover decreased to 5.67 billion units valued at RM7.97 billion from Monday’s 6.14 billion units worth RM5.19 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said Tuesday’s gainers were led by Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, which increased 90 sen to RM21.04; PPB Group Bhd, which rose 82 sen to RM17.82; and Petronas Gas Bhd, which was up...