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KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower after notching a small gain in early trade as investors took profit ahead of the long weekend. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 7.58 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 1,596.68 from Thursday’s close of 1,604.26, ending below the 1,600 psychological level in the process. The benchmark index, which opened 4.62 points firmer at 1,608.88, fluctuated between 1,595.36 and 1,612.31 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 857 to 365, with 425 counters unchanged, 753 untraded and 46 others suspended. Turnover expanded to 5.45 billion units worth RM6.84 billion from Thursday's 5.33 billion units worth RM3.99 billion. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd chartist Nik Ihsan Raja Abdullah said the FBM KLCI retreated into the red after an early...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia recouped some of its earlier losses to settle marginally lower, in line with the weaker regional market performance, ahead of the release of key US economic data on Friday. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped 1.09 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 1,604.26 from Wednesday’s close of 1,605.35.  The benchmark index, which opened 2.14 points lower at 1,603.21, fluctuated between 1,602.32 and 1,608.84 throughout the trading session. Rakuten Trade Malaysia research head Kenny Yee Shee Phin said the FBM KLCI improved earlier in the day on buying support from local institutions after Google announced plans to invest RM9.4 billion in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended at an intraday low today, tracking the mostly downbeat performance of regional peers, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 10.47 points, or 0.64 per cent, to 1,605.35 from Tuesday's close of 1,615.82. The benchmark index, which opened 1.11 points lower at 1,614.71 to mark its day’s high, was on a downward trajectory for the rest of the session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 834 to 400, with 424 counters unchanged, 763 untraded and 50 others suspended. Turnover declined to 4.73 billion units worth RM3.68 billion from Tuesday's 4.86 billion units worth RM3.79 billion. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong said the FBM KLCI has taken another step backwards to mark its fourth straight losing streak ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia gave up earlier gains to close lower today on a lack of catalysts amidst the downbeat performance in regional markets, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 2.45 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 1,615.82 from Monday's close of 1,618.27. The benchmark index, which opened 2.38 points higher at 1,620.65, fluctuated between 1,612.96 and 1,622.93 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 824 to 352, with 518 counters unchanged, 730 untraded and 33 others suspended. Turnover declined to 4.86 billion units worth RM3.79 billion from Monday's 5.64 billion units worth RM3.92 billion. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong said the FBM KLCI formed another bearish candle as the key index retreated for the third straig...

 KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia gave up earlier gains to close marginally lower today despite the improvement in regional markets as local investors continued to take profit, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dipped 1.13 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 1,618.27 from last Friday's close of 1,619.40. The benchmark index, which opened 1.27 points higher at 1,620.67, fluctuated between 1,617.98 and 1,622.40 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 682 to 530, with 486 counters unchanged, 709 untraded and 25 suspended. Turnover increased to 5.64 billion units worth RM3.92 billion from last Friday's 5.61 billion units worth RM4.58 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the key regional indices finished mostly higher with ...

 UALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed the week lower today as investors engaged in mild profit-taking amid regional market weakness, a dealer said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dropped 9.78 points, or 0.60 per cent, to 1,619.40 from Thursday's close of 1,629.18. The benchmark index, which opened 4.22 points weaker at 1,624.96, fluctuated between 1,614.83 and 1,624.96 throughout Friday’s trading session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 845 to 450, with 441 counters unchanged, 670 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover fell to 5.61 billion units worth RM4.58 billion, down from Thursday's 6.2 billion units worth RM4.67 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said key regional indices ended lower following the selloff on Wall Street overnight.  He said positive United States (US) economic data, along with haw...

 KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) --Bursa Malaysia closed higher on Thursday as buying activities returned following Tuesday's profit-taking, a dealer said.  The market was closed yesterday for Wesak. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 7.09 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 1,629.18 from Tuesday's close of 1,622.09. The benchmark index, which opened 1.43 points lower at 1,620.66, moved between 1,620.66 and 1,632.79 throughout the trading session.  On the broader market, gainers led decliners 732 to 521, with 504 counters unchanged, 632 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover expanded to 6.2 billion units worth RM4.67 billion compared to Tuesday's 5.42 billion units worth RM4.22 billion. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said technology stocks surged, spurred by ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Tuesday after notching a small gain in early trade as profit-taking activities set in ahead of the Wesak Day public holiday on Wednesday. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined 5.41 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 1,622.09 from Monday's close of 1,627.50. The benchmark index, which opened 0.88 of-a-point firmer at 1,628.38, its intraday high, and hit a low of 1,620.80 in the mid-morning session.  On the broader market, losers led gainers 726 to 470, with 492 counters unchanged, 701 untraded and nine others suspended. Turnover eased to 5.42 billion units worth RM4.22 billion compared to Monday's 6.98 billion units worth RM4.36 billion. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said profit-taking activities have s...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended slightly off its intraday high today on renewed hopes of a possible two interest rate cuts in the United States (US) this year. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) bagged 7.88 points to 1,611.11 compared to yesterday’s close of 1,603.23, marking its highest level since March 2022. The barometer index opened 1.15 points better at 1,604.38 and hit a high of 1,611.57 in the afternoon session. Gainers outnumbered losers 720 to 492, with 456 counters unchanged, 700 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover, however, decreased to 6.04 billion units worth RM4.35 billion from 6.20 billion units worth RM4.69 billion on Wednesday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng told Bernama that bargain hunting also contributed to today's uptrend, following a few sessi...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended trading at an intraday low today, snapping a two-day winning streak as investors hesitated to make significant moves ahead of the upcoming US economic report.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 2.65 points or 0.17 per cent to 1,603.23 compared to yesterday’s close of 1,605.88. The barometer index opened 0.13 of-a-point easier at 1,605.75 and reached an intraday high of 1,607.64 during the late morning session.  On the broader market, decliners led advancers 579 to 574, with 475 counters unchanged, 740 untraded, and 23 others suspended. Turnover increased to 6.20 billion units worth RM4.69 billion from 4.69 billion units worth RM3.19 billion on Tuesday. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the US consumer price index (CPI) data slated for release later today is pivotal for the Federal Reserve's ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher today, driven by increased daily trading volume indicating rising interest in Malaysian equities, particularly from foreign buyers, a dealer said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 2.97 points to 1,605.88, compared to yesterday’s close of 1,602.91. The benchmark index opened 1.04 points lower at 1,601.62 and moved between 1,601.44 and 1,607.42 throughout the session. Advancers outnumbered decliners 592 to 527 across the broader market, with 520 counters unchanged, 706 untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover improved to 4.69 billion units worth RM3.19 billion from 4.53 billion units worth RM3.01 billion on Monday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the FBM KLCI advanced further as foreign buying continues, particularly in energy, telecommunications and plantation st...

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI rebounded today, snapping a three-day losing streak, bucking the trend as other regional indices edged down. At closing, the 30-stock index advanced 2.24%, or 0.44% to 1,602.91 on strong interest in banking and Genting stocks. In the broader market, gainers outnumbered decliners 642 to 494, while 505 counters remained unchanged. Turnover stood at 4.53 billion shares worth RM3bil. Genting rose 21 sen to RM4.76 while Genting Malaysia added nine sen to RM2.72. It was reported that Genting Singapore Plc’s earnings beat expectations after hitting a 10-year high in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q 2024). Among the gainers, Malaysia Pacific Industries jumped RM1.08 to RM32.08, Sungei Bagan Rubber surged RM1.06 to RM6.66, Kluang rose 64 sen to RM5.95 and MI Technovation added 35 sen to RM2.30.

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia’s all-time high indicates measures under the MADANI framework are building investor confidence, said Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Bursa Malaysia's key index, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI), recently breached 1,600 points, the highest level in two years, with the bourse achieving an all-time high of RM2 trillion in market capitalisation. "Coming on the back of a strong show of resilience amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions, this performance is a testament to the strength of our market and Malaysia’s economy," he said at the launch of CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd here, today. Amir Hamzah said the development of Malaysia’s capital market reflects a commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and resilience in the financial sector, positioning Malaysia as a leading destination for investment and capital market activity. "As the steward of Malaysia’s economic well-being, the Ministr...

KUALA LUMPUR (May 8): Malaysia’s largest 100 companies added RM175.33 billion to their market value since the start of the year as optimism for a US Federal Reserve rate cut fuelled a broad rally in sectors ranging from technology to utilities. The top 30 companies — including most of the constituents of the benchmark index FBM KLCI — gained as much as RM118.2 billion in market capitalisation up until Tuesday, according to data compiled by The Edge . Shares of the next 70 companies racked up RM57.13 billion in value. There is further upside for the KLCI, and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account restructuring and pay hike for civil servants will be positive for the equity market, said Nomura. Banks, consumer staples, retail, retail-focused real estate investment trusts, and automotive as well as stocks related to oil and travel will likely benefit from the introduction of EPF Account 3. Some of the stocks have exceeded market expectations as investors jumped...

KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): Malaysian stocks hit RM2 trillion in market capitalisation for the first time ever on Tuesday thanks to broad gains in blue chip stocks and a slew of new listings. The benchmark index FBM KLCI rallied for its fourth straight days to 1,605.68, its highest close since April 8, 2022, led by consumer and banking stocks. So far this year, the KLCI has racked up over 10% gains. “We have seen foreign investors become net buyers again recently as the US economy is showing signs of slowing down, reviving hope of earlier interest rate cut,” Fortress Capital chief executive officer Datuk Thomas Yong told The Edge . Blue chips with strong fundamentals will likely continue to do well, he noted. Investors also bet on small-cap stocks, pushing the index to its highest since Oct 2014, while Bursa Malaysia's Mid 70 Index also gained. ACE Market stocks, however, edged lower on Tuesday. Stocks on the Main Market accounted for 97% of the entire equity market ...

KUALA LUMPUR: The domestic market could wrap the week on a high note after stubbornly holding on to optimism amid better-than-expected earnings results from Wall Stret. The FBM KLCI rose 1.29 points to 1,581.58 at the opening bell, and ramped up to as high as 1,587.32 in the first 10 minutes of trading as the return of foreign funds continued to lift Malaysia's blue chips. YTL Power gained seven sen to RM4.68 and YTL Corp added seven sen to RM3.23, while Telekom Malaysia climbed six sen to RM6.20. CIMB rose three sen to RM6.67, Tenaga Nasional climbed 14 sen to RM12.16 and Kuala Lumpur Kepong added six sen to RM23.30. Apex Securities Research said the upbeat tone may sustain on the final trading day of the week, taking cue from the positive developments on Wall Street overnight. "Investors will be keeping a close tab onto US unemployment rate and ISM Services data to provide gauge the strength of the world’s largest economy. "We reckon the technolo...

KUALA LUMPUR: The local bourse bucked the downtrend seen in regional stock markets to stay in positive territory amid the weaker sentiment. At closing, the FBM KLCI was up 4.33 points, or 0.27% to 1,580.30. The market traded within a range of 8.41 points between an intra-day high of 1,582.68 and a low of 1,574.27 during the session. Losers outpaced gainers 620 to 530, while 464 counters were unchanged. Volume stood at 3.81 billion units valued at RM3.05mil. Among the gainers, Dutch Lady surged 84 sen to RM33.70, Nestle rose 70 sen to RM127.90, Ajinomoto added 32 sen to RM19.74 and Ge-Shen gained 30 sen to RM4.19. Among the decliners, Crescendo fell 13 sen to RM3.47, SHH Resources lost 12 sen to RM1.16, Greatech Technology declined 10 sen to RM4.40 and Hibiscus Petroleum slid 10 sen to RM2.62. Meanwhile, the ringgit strengthened against the US dollar. The ringgit was quoted at 4.7533 against the US dollar, up 0.39%. The local unit rose 0.1% to 5.9509 against the pound sterli...