KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
Equities Overview:
- China and Hong Kong markets experienced significant gains on Monday, buoyed by Beijing’s latest measures aimed at addressing the ongoing property crisis. The CSI 300 index is poised for its largest daily increase in 16 years, while iron ore prices surged as major Chinese cities eased home buying restrictions.
- Conversely, Japanese stocks fell sharply, contributing to a decline in the MSCI Asia Pacific gauge after the leadership victory of Shigeru Ishiba, which caught investors off guard.
Investor Sentiment:
- Matthew Haupt, a portfolio manager at Wilson Asset Management, noted that China’s government appears increasingly committed to stimulating the economy, which may provide a more sustainable rally compared to previous attempts. Investors are keenly awaiting further announcements that could bolster confidence in the Chinese economy and stock market.
European Market Outlook:
- European markets are anticipated to start the week on a subdued note, following profit warnings from major automakers, including Volkswagen AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and BMW AG. Stellantis NV has also cut its outlook for the adjusted operating income margin.
Political Climate:
- The political landscape in Europe adds another layer of uncertainty. In Austria, traditional political parties are pledging to prevent the far-right Freedom Party from forming a government following its significant electoral victory.
Japanese Market Dynamics:
- With Ishiba’s new administration expected to maintain continuity in economic and monetary policy, the yen has slightly regained some ground. However, market optimism remains cautious amid expectations of further policy adjustments.
Geopolitical Concerns:
- The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East, contributing to fluctuations in oil prices.
Key Market Movements:
- S&P 500 futures showed little change, while Nikkei 225 futures dropped by 5%. In contrast, Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged by 4%, and the Shanghai Composite rose by 8.1%.
- The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index remained stable, with the euro trading at $1.1168 and the Japanese yen increasing by 0.4% to 141.66 per dollar.
- Crude oil prices rose by 1.1%, reaching $68.91 per barrel, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions and market adjustments.
Upcoming Economic Events:
- A series of key economic indicators are scheduled for release, including inflation and manufacturing activity data from the Eurozone, as well as the highly anticipated US nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, which will provide further insights into the Fed's potential policy decisions.
This summary encapsulates the current market landscape as economic dynamics shift in response to both domestic policies and international developments.
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