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
The European Union (EU) has decided to move forward with higher tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China, intensifying trade tensions between the two economic powers. The new tariffs will peak at 45%, with the levies depending on the manufacturer and ranging from 8% to 35% on top of the existing 10% rate. The tariffs will come into effect later this week.
This decision follows months of negotiations and threats of Chinese retaliation, with Beijing warning of potential consequences, including tariffs on European goods. China has already hinted at retaliatory measures, including possible actions against dairy, pork, and large-engine cars from Europe.
Chinese automakers, especially BYD Co., have rapidly grown in the global EV market, raising concerns among European carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW about potential damage to their sales in China. Volkswagen is already considering closing several factories in Germany due to the pressures in the market.
The EU's tariffs come amid a broader effort to counter Chinese industrial subsidies and maintain European competitiveness, but this has raised the risk of an escalating trade confrontation. While discussions between Beijing and Brussels continue, no breakthrough has been reached so far, and China has urged for a collective agreement for all automakers rather than individual deals.
China has also threatened to freeze investments in countries backing the tariffs and could raise its vehicle tariffs, which were reduced to 15% in 2018, to as high as 25%. Both sides are expected to face further challenges in negotiations, and China's retaliatory measures could begin to materialize next month.
Amid these tensions, both the EU and China are also keeping an eye on the upcoming US election, as a possible return of Donald Trump could bring further tariffs that would impact both economies.
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