Market Daily Report: Bursa ends higher in sync with regional markets

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 there was some initial caution among investors awaiting the US inflation data to gauge the Federal Reserve’s interest rate adjustments, the overall market sentiment remained optimistic," he said. 

He said notably, the plantation sector emerged as a top performer, benefitting from both anticipated lower output due to the mild El Nino weather phenomenon forecast and increased demand from China, the world’s largest importer of palm oil.

"Malaysia’s significant role in the global palm oil industry, accounting for 23% of total production and nearly 30% of total exports, underscores its position as a key player in this commodity market," he added.

Meanwhile, ActivTrades trader Anderson Alves said investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming release of the US PCE report.

“This report is anticipated to shed light on inflationary pressures and could signal upcoming shifts in monetary policy.

“The consensus forecast for the report suggests a month-on-month increase of 0.4%, closely aligned with the average analysts’ prediction at 0.39%,” he said. 

Additionally, he said the core PCE, which excludes volatile items, is expected to show an even more pronounced increase, with some projections reaching 0.55%.

“Should these figures exceed expectations, it could strengthen the US dollar and exert downward pressure on bond markets, potentially affecting global stock markets, particularly in the US,” he added. 

Market Daily Report: Bursa closes lower on profit taking

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 digest the recent rally and provides a stronger base for a more sustainable uptrend.

"We anticipate the FBM KLCI to trend within the range of 1,540-1,570 for the rest of the week," he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, head of wealth research & advisory, designated portfolio manager at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors, Mohd Sedek Jantan said Bursa Malaysia experienced a modest decline on Wednesday, awaiting fresh domestic drivers to bolster equities.

"The drop aligned with the regional markets that show investors maintained a cautious stance, opting for prudence ahead of the forthcoming release of key US economic indicators later this week, notably a pivotal inflation report.

"The outcome of this data holds significant implications for interest rate expectations, as the US Federal Reserve officials emphasise the necessity of assured signs of inflation deceleration before considering rate adjustments," he said.

Market Daily Report: KLCI rebounds on strong buying interest, highest since May 2022

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 president Thong Pak Leng said most regional markets rebounded from their downbeat performance yesterday with strong gains in China and Hong Kong, fuelled by investor optimism as China's state funds reportedly pumped in over US$57 billion (RM273.32 billion) to support the market while at the same time, global funds continue to flow into the region.

"On the other hand, investors are cautiously awaiting various economic data releases, including China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index and the US Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which serves as the Federal Reserve's (Fed) preferred inflation gauge.

"Domestically, we remain optimistic on the market undertone which is supported by solid fundamentals with strong buying in blue chips following their strong quarterly earnings.

"Nonetheless, we recognise the chance for profit taking, a factor we do not overlook," he said. 

Hence, Thong anticipates the KLCI to trend within the 1,540-1,570 range for the week, while from a technical perspective, the immediate resistance is spotted at 1,570 and support at 1,534.

Meanwhile, head of wealth research & advisory, designated portfolio manager at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors, Mohd Sedek Jantan said Bursa Malaysia concluded on a positive trajectory, marked by diverse sectoral performances.

"The utilities sector showcased notable resilience, propelled by robust quarterly earnings disclosures.

"In addition, the recent upward momentum received further impetus from the rollout of renewable energy initiatives, including the large-scale solar and low carbon energy generation programmes, aimed at fostering sustainable practices," he said.

Mohd Sedek said so far, the majority of quarterly earnings were consistently aligned with market forecasts, bolstering sustained investor confidence and perpetuating a trend of ongoing market activity.

"However, select investors are capitalising on profit-taking opportunities to safeguard gains amid prevailing uncertainties surrounding the Fed's policy trajectory.

“We maintain an optimistic outlook on the Malaysian market, anticipating continued bullish trends supported by the economic resurgence in China," he said. 

Among other heavyweights, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd added seven sen to RM4.30, Maxis Bhd perked six sen to RM3.83, but Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd edged down five sen to RM6.94, and MISC Bhd inched down one sen to RM7.50. 

Market Daily Report: Bursa pares earlier losses to close marginally lower

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 this week, particularly related to US inflation and interest rates. This has, in turn, kept risk appetite largely muted," he said.

On the home front, Thong believes that the outlook for Malaysian equities remains positive, driven by strong corporate earnings, cheap valuations and substantial support from foreign investors.

"We advise investors to exercise caution in the current environment, taking into account external factors such as increasing market risks and elevated volatility in global markets.

"We anticipate the FBM KLCI to trend within the 1,540-1,570 range for the week," he added. 

Meanwhile, head of wealth research & advisory, designated portfolio manager at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors, Mohd Sedek Jantan said Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index concluded Monday's trading session with a decline in value and was influenced by Wall Street's mixed performance last Friday, which left investors cautious.

"Investors await with anticipation the upcoming releases of inflation data from key economies such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, as these are expected to offer valuable insights into the direction of global interest rates.

"Amid this climate of uncertainty, some traders opted to take profits following recent market upswings," he said.

Mohd Sedek said, however, that despite the cautious sentiment, foreign investors continued to demonstrate a net buying stance.

"Notably, foreign investment in Malaysian equities experienced a substantial increase, more than doubling from RM352.9 million to RM786.1 million in just one week.

Market Daily Report: KLCI ends week marginally higher after two-day losing streak

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).

Market Daily Report: KLCI extends decline, dragged by YTL counters, PPB

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 were Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd, which closed unchanged at two sen, followed by Reneuco Bhd (down 5.26% to nine sen) and Notion VTec Bhd (up 44.44% to 45.5 sen).

Both the FBM Small Cap and FBM Ace indices, which gained 0.48% and 1.43% respectively, outperformed the FBM Top 100 index (down 0.12%).

Sectoral indices were mixed on Thursday, with technology leading the gainers, while utilities led the laggards.

Market Daily Report: KLCI ends four-day win streak, dragged by telcos

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. 

Market Daily Report: KLCI charts fresh 20-month high while energy stocks surge

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.

Market Daily Report: Bursa shares end higher on buying support from institutional funds

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 repositioning of interest rate cut expectations.

“The local benchmark index surged and managed to surpass the stiff resistance of 1,527 on Tuesday and while it faced a pullback on Thursday, we view this correction as a healthy consolidation necessary for sustaining an uptrend.

“Even as we anticipate a brief pause for the bulls after Tuesday's strong rally, the index has maintained its position above all exponential moving averages (EMA). Coupled with the upward trajectory of the 20-day EMA, this suggests that the FBM KLCI is still in consolidation mode with a positive bias,” he said.

Among the heavyweights, Maybank Bhd added three sen to RM9.43, Public Bank Bhd rose two sen to RM4.41, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd gained five sen to RM6.41, Tenaga Nasional Bhd was eight sen higher at RM11.18, and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd added four sen to RM6.88.

Market Daily Report: Bursa shares close broadly higher, KLCI almost flat

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 overnight, rebounding from the recent inflation-fuelled sell-off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.4%, to end at 38,424.27, Nasdaq rose 1.3%, to close at 15,859.15 and S&P500 rose 0.96% to finish at 5,000.62.

Losers in the heavyweights were led by CelcomDigi Bhd, losing three sen at RM4.23, followed by Petronas Dagangan Bhd, easing 30 sen to RM21.96, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and IOI Corp Bhd were down four sen each to RM4.44 and RM3.98.

Other heavyweights, Maybank Bhd was flat at RM9.40, Public Bank Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd declined a sen each to RM4.39 and RM6.36, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd added four sen to RM11.10.

Market Daily Report: Bursa slightly lower after late buying pares losses

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) increased by 3.1% on an annual basis, exceeding economists' forecast of 2.9%.

Market Daily Report: KLCI jumps 1.26% on foreign buying, index at 20-month high

 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 Chinese New Year celebration.

The KLCI had breached the 1,527 resistance level, supported by strong buying from foreign funds, he said.

“We maintain our cautiously optimistic view on the local stock market, fuelled by its enticing valuations and continuous support from foreign inflows, although we do not discount the possibility of profit-taking activities.

“Should the FBM KLCI manage to maintain its position above the 1,527 level over an extended period, there is potential for the index to make additional advancements. We anticipate the benchmark index to trend within the 1,520-1,540 range for the week,” Thong said. 

MIDF Research reported that foreign investors maintained their net buying streak on Bursa Malaysia, with an inflow of RM400.7 million, marking the third consecutive week of net purchases. 

In its Fund Flow Report for the week ended Feb 9, 2024, the research house said foreigners recorded net buying every day, with Tuesday witnessing the highest inflow of RM188.9 million.

Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said Tuesday's surge was primarily driven by robust performance in the banking, energy, and plantation sectors.

“Additionally, the bullish momentum on Wall Street may have played a role in propelling the benchmark index upwards, with the S&P 500 hitting record highs and surpassing 5,000 points, as investors await the release of the US consumer price index data later this evening [Tuesday],” he added.

Meanwhile, REDtone Digital was in the limelight after it secured a 60-month MyGovUC 3.0 contract from the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) worth about RM398.1 million.

The counter closed at RM1.04 on Tuesday, a fresh high since 2005, with 11.7 million shares traded.

Among the heavyweights, Maybank Bhd added 18 sen to RM9.44, Tenaga Nasional Bhd surged 30 sen to RM11.08, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd climbed 15 sen at RM6.34, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd improved 13 sen to RM6.84, while Public Bank Bhd added five sen at RM4.40. 

As for the actives, Widad Group Bhd rose a sen to 13 sen, YNH Property Bhd was six sen better at 67.5 sen, TWL Holdings Bhd advanced half a sen to four sen, MYEG Services Bhd improved 1.5 sen at 81 sen, and Reneuco Bhd was unchanged at 5.5 sen.

Market Daily Report: Bursa ends flat in quiet trading

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 to RM4.23, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd increased one sen to RM4.63, and MISC Bhd gained two sen to RM7.35. Tenaga Nasional Bhd stood at RM10.78, followed by Malayan Banking Bhd at RM9.26 and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd at RM6.71, as all three counters were flat. Meanwhile, Public Bank Bhd eased two sen to RM4.35 and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd declined four sen to RM6.19.

As for the actives, Dataprep Holdings Bhd rose two sen to 15 sen, Minetech Resources Bhd improved by 1.5 sen to 14.5 sen, Velesto Energy Bhd was flat at 26.5 sen, Reneuco Bhd shed 1.5 sen to 5.5 sen, while Widad Group Bhd eased half sen to 12 sen and TWL Holdings Bhd dipped half sen to 3.5 sen.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Friday, Reneuco announced that the company is an affected listed issuer under Practice Note 17 of the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Index was 11.09 points higher at 11,245.02, the FBMT 100 Index advanced 7.03 points to 10,904.51, the FBM 70 Index strengthened by 41.10 points to 15,210.33, the FBM Emas Shariah Index appreciated 20.35 points to 11,286.18, and the FBM ACE Index swelled 50.40 points to 4,822.21.

Sector-wise, the Property Index went up 7.25 points to 912.35, the Plantation Index gave up 5.75 points to 7,192.16 and the Energy Index added 7.26 points to 887.96.

The Financial Services Index depreciated 35.92 points to 16,880.97, but the Industrial Products and Services Index added 0.46 of-a-point to 172.69.

The Main Market volume eased slightly to 1.08 billion units worth RM933.56 million from Thursday’s 1.85 billion units worth RM1.77 billion.   

Warrants turnover fell to 448.53 million units worth RM71.83 million from 676.53 million units worth RM102.92 million on Thursday.  

The ACE Market volume declined to 325.18 million shares worth RM88.91 million against 695.62 million shares worth RM118.56 million previously.  

Consumer products and services counters accounted for 224.44 million shares traded on the Main Market, industrial products and services (200.03 million), construction (71.30 million), technology (135.69 million), SPAC (nil), financial services (26.82 million), property (207.56 million), plantation (10.43 million), REITs (8.02 million), closed/fund (27,000), energy (90.56 million), healthcare (33.31 million), telecommunications and media (16.64 million), transportation and logistics (13.00 million), and utilities (38.05 million).

Source: The Edge

Market Daily Report: Bursa ends on mixed note on lack of fresh leads

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. 

Market Daily Report: Bursa ends higher in thin trading

 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.

Market Daily Report: Bursa closes lower, KLCI ends at intraday low

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 that the two-year Treasury yields, which are the proxy for US Federal Fund, shot up 20 basis points on Friday reflecting that the market no longer expects a 25-basis point rate cut in March. 

"However, anticipated policy action to shore up China's flagging economy continues to underpin regional markets, which are trading mixed given various sensitivity to a stronger US dollar across the board," he said.

Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng said the KLCI ended marginally lower on Monday due to profit-taking activities following the recent rally.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia ends week on mixed note, KLCI up slightly

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 positive territory, as bargain hunting emerged following the recent sell-off.

“Technology stocks in the region were given a positive lead-in from Wall Street, following strong earnings from Amazon and Meta. In the mean time, investors are awaiting the US nonfarm payrolls data due later on Friday.

“On the domestic front, investors are still vigilant on the market undertone, due to the increasing global volatility; nonetheless, the valuation of the FBM KLCI remains attractive. The index has successfully maintained above the 1,500-mark since having surpassed this resistance level last week,” he told Bernama. 

Among the heavyweights, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) advanced 8.0 sen to RM9.34, Public Bank Bhd gained 4.0 sen to RM4.43, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) went up 14 sen to RM10.86, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd added 1.0 sen to RM6.78, while CIMB Group Holdings Bhd was flat at RM6.23.