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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Higher In Line With Most Regional Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday in line with most Asian markets, mirroring gains from Wall Street, where investors welcomed the US Federal Reserve's substantial interest rate cut. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 3.17 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 1,668.82 at the close from Thursday's close of 1,665.65. It opened 5.03 points higher at 1,670.68, trading between 1,668.48 and 1,674.04 throughout the session. In the broader market, gainers outpaced decliners 732 to 468, while 465 counters were unchanged, 850 untraded and 32 suspended. Turnover swelled to 4.19 billion units worth RM5.97 billion, from Thursday's 3.99 billion units worth RM4.08 billion. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, noted the FBM KLCI's gains were led by utilities, logistics, and banking stocks, reflecting improved market sentiment. Additiona

Intel Considers Splitting Foundry Business Amid Financial Troubles

 

Intel Corp is exploring a range of strategic options to counter its financial decline, including a potential split of its product design and manufacturing divisions. The move comes as the company grapples with severe financial losses and a declining market position, with shares hitting their lowest level since 2013.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Potential Foundry Business Split: Intel is considering separating its foundry business, which produces chips for external customers, from its core product design operations. This would mark a significant shift in strategy for CEO Pat Gelsinger, who has previously emphasized the foundry business as key to Intel's recovery and competition with industry leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). However, a less drastic approach, such as halting expansion plans, might be more likely in the short term.

  2. Financial Challenges and Strategic Decisions: Intel's financial woes have intensified, with the company reporting a $1.61 billion net loss last quarter and further losses expected in the coming year. Amid shrinking sales and overambitious expansion efforts, the company has already taken steps to cut costs, including a 15,000 job reduction, reduced capital expenditures, and suspension of its dividend. Investment bankers from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are advising Intel on its options, which may also include potential mergers and acquisitions.

  3. Urgency for a Turnaround: CEO Pat Gelsinger, who returned to Intel in 2021 with promises to restore its technological edge, faces increasing pressure as his comeback plan appears to falter. The company has experienced a 60% decline in share value this year and has fallen out of the top 10 largest chipmakers globally by market value. Complicating matters further, the recent departure of director Lip-Bu Tan has removed a key figure with significant semiconductor industry expertise from Intel's board.

With its market position eroding and losses mounting, Intel's leadership is racing to find a viable path forward. The potential restructuring and ongoing strategic review reflect the urgency of the situation as Intel seeks to regain its footing in an increasingly competitive semiconductor industry.

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