KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
Earnings reports from Fast Retailing Co. (owner of Uniqlo) and Seven & i Holdings Co. (operator of 7-Eleven) are expected to highlight how Japan's top retailers are expanding internationally to offset weak domestic consumption.
Seven & i's operating income may suffer from weak consumer sentiment, overshadowed by a $38.7 billion takeover approach from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. The company may restructure by listing subsidiaries or selling assets, including part of its stake in Seven Bank Ltd.
Meanwhile, Fast Retailing is likely to post steady profit growth, driven by its international business, particularly through high demand for Uniqlo's summer clothing. Analysts predict continued robust sales, especially in greater China, where Uniqlo plans to open around 80 stores annually.
In the tech sector, Samsung Electronics Co. is expected to reveal how it's performing in artificial intelligence and memory chip sales, which have bolstered its operating profit. However, potential job cuts in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are a concern as Samsung faces competition in the AI space.
LG Energy Solution is grappling with weak battery demand as electric vehicle (EV) sales slow in Europe and the US. Its third-quarter net income is projected to have halved due to the EV slowdown, and the company is shifting resources to its energy storage business to counteract this.
Highlights to watch for include:
- Samsung's job cuts and comments on AI-related growth.
- LG Energy's response to EV market challenges.
- Uniqlo's continued international expansion with projected 13% annual growth in greater China.
- Seven & i's restructuring amid takeover talks.
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) showing growth in financial sector deals despite weakness from UK clients.
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