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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
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Tokyo Inflation Rise Supports Case for Bank of Japan (BOJ) Rate Hikes

Inflation in Tokyo accelerated in August, strengthening the argument for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to continue its gradual interest rate hikes while balancing support for the economy. Consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose by 2.4% compared to 2.2% in July, exceeding the consensus estimate of 2.2%, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These Tokyo figures are considered leading indicators for national inflation data expected in September.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Potential for Further Rate Hikes: Following the BOJ’s rate hike on July 31, Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled openness to additional hikes if inflation trends align with the bank's projections. However, Ueda has also expressed caution, indicating that the BOJ will carefully assess the impact of financial market instability before making further policy moves.

  2. Mixed Economic Indicators: Additional data showed a mixed economic picture, with Japan's jobless rate increasing to 2.7% and factory output rising by 2.8% in July, though it missed the consensus forecast of 3.5%. Retail sales growth slowed to 2.6% year-on-year, barely outpacing inflation. These factors suggest a slow recovery of the real economy, making an immediate rate hike unlikely.

  3. Inflation Drivers and Economic Outlook: Rising energy prices have contributed significantly to inflation, with electricity prices surging by 24.2% in August. While there is hope that higher wages driven by tight labor market conditions could make households more resilient, economists believe a strong economic recovery justifying an early rate hike is unlikely. Most expect the BOJ to hold steady on rates at its next meeting on September 20, with the possibility of a rate hike delayed until early next year.

Overall, the latest data supports a cautious approach by the BOJ, balancing the need to address inflation while ensuring economic stability. The upcoming leadership race within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and possible policy shifts could also influence the economic landscape in the coming months.

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