KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia gave up earlier gains to end mixed today, amid a higher regional market showing, as property, construction, and healthcare counters attracted buying interests, while plantation, banking, and telecommunication stocks saw some profit-taking, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.70 points to close at 1,602.34 from yesterday’s close of 1,604.04. The benchmark index, which opened 0.86 of-a-point lower at 1,603.18, moved between 1,601.02 and 1,608.88 during the trading session. However, the broader market was mixed to higher, with gainers leading decliners by 565 to 438 while 502 counters remained unchanged, 961 untraded, and 14 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 2.83 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion versus 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.23 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the benchmark index remained range-bound and it required a dec
This week, global attention will shift to two major events: the release of critical US economic data and Xi Jinping's policy speech in China. Following the US Federal Reserve’s 50-basis-point rate cut on Sept 18, investors will focus on economic indicators that reveal the strength of the US economy, particularly as concerns over the labor market grow.
The highlight will be the US non-farm payrolls (NFP) report for September, due on Oct 4. Economists expect 140,000 jobs to have been created in September, down slightly from 142,000 in August, with the unemployment rate anticipated to hold at 4.2%. A weaker-than-expected result could further signal a softening US economy.
On Oct 1, the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) will release its survey on US manufacturing activity. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for September is projected to be 47.6, marking the sixth consecutive month of contraction. However, a consistent reading above 42.5 generally signals overall economic expansion.
In US politics, the vice-presidential debate between Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz is scheduled for Oct 2, drawing further interest as election season heats up. Additionally, a potential dock worker strike on the US East Coast and Gulf ports, set for Sept 30, could cause significant economic disruptions if no contract agreement is reached.
In China, the country will mark its National Day Golden Week holiday from Oct 1 to 7, with a significant policy speech by President Xi Jinping on Oct 1 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Xi’s speech is expected to touch on stimulus measures aimed at revitalizing China's economic growth and addressing the troubled property sector. Reports suggest that China may issue special sovereign bonds worth RMB 2 trillion, potentially announced before the National Day holiday.
Both events — US economic data and Xi's policy announcements — will play pivotal roles in shaping global market sentiment this week.
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