MONEY MASTER

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 29): Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) ended higher on Thursday in tandem with the upbeat performance in most regional markets and ahead of the US personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data due out later in the night. At 5pm, the KLCI added 5.85 points to close at 1,551.44 from Wednesday’s close of 1,545.59.  The benchmark index opened 2.03 points better at 1,547.62 and moved between 1,544.67 and 1,554.79 throughout the session. However, in the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 679 to 370, while 431 counters were unchanged, 810 untraded and 43 others suspended. Turnover expanded to 5.34 billion units worth RM7.01 billion versus Wednesday's 4.78 billion units worth RM3.3 billion. Head of wealth research & advisory, designated portfolio manager at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors, Mohd Sedek Jantan said Malaysian equities experienced a surge, mirroring the positive trend in most regional stock markets. "Although th...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Bursa Malaysia ended trading at an intraday low on Wednesday due to profit-taking activities following Tuesday's strong gains, in tandem with the downbeat performance in the regional markets. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) shed 13.21 points to close at 1,545.59 from the previous day’s close of 1,558.8.  The benchmark index opened 2.5 points weaker at 1,556.3 and hit an intraday high of 1,556.69 earlier in the day.  On the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 780 to 311, while 404 counters were unchanged, 814 untraded and 77 others suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.78 billion units worth RM3.30 billion versus Tuesday's 3.88 billion units worth RM3.09 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said local stocks traded in a narrow range amid ongoing concerns about the prolonged higher US interest rates. "We view the profit-taking as a healthy correction as it allows the market to...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index continued its upward trajectory on Tuesday to end at its highest level since May 2022 on strong buying activities in heavyweights led by YTL Corp Bhd, Axiata Group Bhd and YTL Power International Bhd.  YTL Corp surged 21 sen to RM2.71, Axiata increased 11 sen to RM2.85 and YTL Power gained nine sen to RM4.15. These three counters lifted the composite index by a combined of 6.73 points.  At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) surged 11.2 points to 1,558.8 from Monday’s close of 1,547.6.  The benchmark index opened 2.08 points lower at 1,545.52 and moved between 1,545.16 and 1,559.02 throughout the session. However, in the broader market, losers beat gainers 570 to 548, while 410 counters were unchanged, 781 untraded and 47 others suspended. Turnover improved to 3.88 billion units worth RM3.09 billion versus Monday's 3.74 billion units worth RM3.12 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice ...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 26): Bursa Malaysia pared earlier losses on Monday to settle marginally lower as buying activities emerged towards the end of the trading session, amid the downbeat regional market performance.   At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 1.51 points to 1,547.6 from Friday’s close of 1,549.11.  The benchmark index opened 0.18 of a point lower at 1,548.93 and moved between 1,544.47 and 1,553.9 throughout the session. In the broader market, losers beat gainers 634 to 442, while 439 counters were unchanged, 799 untraded and 29 others suspended. Turnover declined to 3.74 billion units worth RM3.12 billion versus Friday's 4.07 billion units worth RM3.21 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said the key regional indices ended broadly lower with profit taking on technology stocks following last week's strong gains. "Meanwhile, investors are anticipating a series of important economic reports th...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): The FBM KLCI recovered on Friday, albeit marginally, on bargain hunting after two days of decline. The bellwether index gained 3.62 points or 0.23% to 1,549.11, after moving between 1,544.18 and 1,551.15. The top gaining constituents that pulled the index to the positive were YTL Corp Bhd, which rose 14.88% to RM2.47, YTL Power International Bhd (up 6.35% to RM4.02), and Sime Darby Bhd (up 1.53% to RM2.65).

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 22): The FBM KLCI lost ground for the second consecutive day on Thursday, trimming gains it made over the past few trading sessions. The benchmark index fell 6.91 points or 0.45% to close the day at 1,545.49, after trading between 1,542.72 and 1,551.97. Among KLCI constituents pulling the index down, the biggest declines were YTL Group counters — YTL Corp Bhd fell 3.15% to RM2.15, followed by YTL Power International Bhd (down 3.08% to RM3.78) — and PPB Group Bhd (down 1.94% to RM15.20). Compared to regional counterparts, the KLCI lagged. The Stock Exchange of Thailand Index gained 0.74%, followed by the Philippines Stock Exchange Index (up 0.08%), and the Straits Times Index (up 0.05%), while the Jakarta Composite slipped 0.13%. Overall, market breadth on Bursa Malaysia was positive as 571 stocks advanced, 462 retreated and 494 traded sideways, with 3.72 billion shares worth RM2.58 billion exchanging hands. The most actively traded stocks on the bourse w...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 21): The FBM KLCI retreated on Wednesday, paring gains from a 20-month high achieved a day earlier, dragged by declines of telco-linked consitituents. The bellwether index declined 3.19 points or 0.21% to close at the 1,552.4 level on Wednesday after trading between 1,547.49 and 1,554.95. Among KLCI index constituents, telco counters were top laggards, with Axiata Group Bhd falling 3.46%, followed by Maxis Bhd (1.81%) and CelcomDigi Bhd (1.37%). Nonetheless, the KLCI was largely in line with laggards in the region, although there were a few slight gainers. 

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): The FBM KLCI climbed further and closed at a fresh 20-month high on Tuesday as consumer stocks led gains, while energy stocks at the broader market surged. The benchmark index closed at 1555.59, its highest since June 1, 2022, after rising 16.98 points or 1.10%. The gain also marked the KLCI’s best day since Feb 13, 2024. Automotive-to-industrial conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd was top gainer among index constituents, up 4.8% to RM2.65, while agri-food gaint PPB Group Bhd was also higher. Other KLCI gainers included petrochemical company Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, and wireless carrier Axiata Group Bhd. Overall market breadth was positive as 615 stocks advanced, 425 retreated and 472 traded sideways, after 3.70 billion shares worth RM2.94 billion exchanged hands.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 16): Bursa Malaysia closed higher on Friday, with the key index rising 0.34%, boosted by fresh foreign funds as well as late buying support from local funds. At 5pm, the benchmark FBM KLCI gained 5.17 points to 1,533.55 from Thursday’s close of 1,528.38. The key index opened 2.3 points better at 1,530.68 in the morning and moved between 1,529.3 and 1,534.53 throughout the day. Gainers outpaced losers 553 to 449 on the broader market, while 500 counters were unchanged, 798 untraded and 11 others suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.63 billion units worth RM2.36 billion from Thursday's 3.68 billion units valued at RM2.28 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said the key regional markets also trended higher as the US Treasury yields declined and the dollar weakened against the Japanese yen and other major regional currencies, while a larger-than-expected drop in US retail sales for January prompted a slight reposi...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 15): Shares on Bursa Malaysia closed broadly higher on Thursday, with buying momentum seen in the broader market, although the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) ended 0.06% lower. At 5pm, the benchmark FBM KLCI lost 0.95 of a point to 1,528.38 from Wednesday's close of 1,529.33. The KLCI opened 0.04 of a point easier at 1,529.29, and moved between 1,525.39 and 1,532.66 throughout the day. Gainers beat losers 557 to 370 on the broader market, while 468 counters were unchanged, 904 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover rose to 3.68 billion units valued at RM2.28 billion from Wednesday's 2.81 billion units valued at RM1.93 billion. SPI Asset Management managing director Stephen Innes said the local bourse took its cue from the recovery rally in the US, which offered global markets a bit of a respite. “This was due to the US yielding the easing touch as traders considered the negative reaction was overdone,” he said. Wall Street closed higher overnig...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 14): Bursa Malaysia pared losses on Wednesday from the earlier session due to late buying support. The key index remained in negative territory and ended the day slightly lower due to profit-taking after yesterday's significant gains. At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) lost 2.04 points to 1,529.33 from Tuesday's close of 1,531.37.  The KLCI opened 3.58 points easier at 1,527.79, and moved between 1,521.79 and 1,530.95 throughout the day. Decliners led gainers 503 to 387 on the broader market, while 509 counters were unchanged, 901 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover rose to 2.81 billion units valued at RM1.93 billion from Tuesday's 2.11 billion units valued at RM2.04 billion.    Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said Bursa Malaysia alongside key regional markets were in negative territory after an unexpected rise in US inflation on Tuesday, where the consumer price index (CPI...

  KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 13): Bursa Malaysia finished higher across the board on Tuesday, with the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) ending at a 20-month high, the highest level since June 2022, supported by steady buying from foreign investors. At 5pm, the market bellwether jumped 19.09 points to 1,531.37 from Friday's close of 1,512.28. The market was closed on Monday (Feb 12) for the Chinese New Year replacement holiday.  The KLCI opened 0.35 of a point higher at 1,512.63 and moved between 1,512.63 and 1,533.16 throughout the day. Gainers trounced losers 634 to 297 on the broader market, while 425 counters were  unchanged, 927 untraded and 11 others suspended. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said foreign buyers were seen actively participating in Tuesday's trading and buying blue chips. “It looks like the funds are flowing back to the region,” he said, adding that the Hong Kong and China markets are still closed due to the Chi...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): Bursa Malaysia ended on a flat note in a quiet market ahead of the Chinese New Year’s long weekend. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was flat, just 0.08 of-a-point lower at 1,512.28 from from Thursday’s close of 1,512.36. The market will be closed next Monday (Feb 12) for the Chinese New Year public holiday. The barometer index opened 1.46 points higher at 1,513.82, and moved between 1,509.56 and 1,514.72 throughout the day. Gainers trounced losers 530 to 313 on the broader market, while 445 counters were unchanged, 999 untraded and 11 others suspended. Turnover slid to 1.86 billion units valued at RM1.1 billion from Thursday’s 3.25 billion units valued at RM2.0 billion.    Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said Bursa Malaysia finished on thin volume, with buying interest in the broader market mainly on energy and property sectors. Among the heavyweights, CelcomDigi Bhd added one sen ...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 7): Bursa Malaysia ended mixed on a lack of fresh leads on Wednesday amid a quiet market ahead of the Chinese New Year long weekend. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) inched up 0.13 of a point to end at 1,513.11 from Tuesday’s close of 1,512.98. The barometer index opened 0.47 of a point easier at 1,512.51 and moved between 1,510.2 and 1,514.05 throughout the day. Decliners led advancers 554 to 384 on the broader market, while 465 counters were unchanged, 857 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover declined to 3.04 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion from 3.09 billion units valued at RM2.17 billion on Tuesday.  Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said the KLCI edged slightly higher due to late buying on utilities and gaming stocks. He noted that the ongoing rebound of China's stock market, which was fuelled by expectations of increased government support, has boosted the performance of regional markets...

  KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 6): Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end slightly higher in thin trading on Tuesday as investors are holding back from making large bets ahead of the long weekend following the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.   At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 1.64 points to end at 1,512.98 from Monday's close of 1,511.34. The barometer index opened 1.03 points easier at 1,510.31 and moved between 1,508.99 and 1,513.98 throughout the day. Advancers led decliners 513 to 452 on the broader market, while 431 counters were unchanged, 853 untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover declined to 3.09 billion units valued at RM2.17 billion from 3.22 billion units worth RM2.12 billion on Monday.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): Bursa Malaysia finished lower on Monday following a strong US employment report that eliminated hopes of an interest rate cut, said an analyst. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 5.24 points to end at an intraday low of 1,511.34 from last Friday's (Feb 2) close of 1,516.58.  The barometer index opened 0.67 of a point easier at 1,515.91 and hit an intraday higher of 1,520.98 earlier in the day.  Decliners led advancers 605 to 390 on the broader market, while 441 counters were unchanged, 800 untraded, and 11 others suspended. Turnover declined to 3.22 billion units valued at RM2.12 billion versus Friday's 3.54 billion units valued at RM2.99 billion.  SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the Malaysian bourse suffered a minor setback on Monday due to the strong US jobs report that pushed the US two-year Treasury yields higher as the market pares expectations for an imminent US interest rate cut. He noted ...

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 2): Bursa Malaysia ended the week on a mixed note on Friday, driven by selling in midsize and small-cap counters, while the key benchmark index maintained a positive trajectory despite reversing some of its earlier gains, dealers said. At 5.00pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.60 points to end at 1,516.58, from Wednesday's (Jan 31) close of 1,512.98. The market was closed on Thursday (Feb 1) for the Federal Territory Day public holiday. The barometer index opened 3.63 points easier at 1,509.35 on Friday, and moved between 1,508.50 and 1,521.23 throughout the day. Decliners led advancers 654 to 308 on the broader market, while 444 counters were unchanged, 818 untraded and 15 others suspended. Turnover declined to 3.54 billion units valued at RM2.99 billion, from 3.67 billion units worth RM2.86 billion on Wednesday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said major regional indices also ended in p...