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 29): Bursa Malaysia wrapped up 2023 to close at its intraday low at 1,454,66 on Friday compared with the first-day opening this year at 1,488.54, weighed by persistent selling pressure throughout most part the year due to outflow of funds as a result of various rate hikes in the US, a dealer said. Consequently, Rakuten Trade equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell to its year low of 1,374.64 on June 8, 2023, but the situation improved when foreign funds returned to the country at the beginning of July. At 5pm, the KLCI closed 2.75 points or 0.18% lower to 1,454.66 from Thursday’s close of 1,457.41. The key index opened 0.16 of a point better at 1,457.57 and thereafter moved to a high of 1,461.4 during the early morning session. In the broader market, losers surpassed gainers 486 to 431, while 453 counters were unchanged, 890 untraded and 45 others suspended. Turnover went up to 4.67 bill...