KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...
Key Highlights:
Regulatory Approval Sought:
- Credit Agricole SA has requested approval to increase its stake in Banco BPM SpA beyond its current 9.9% holding to 15%.
Additional Stake Acquisition:
- The French bank has acquired financial instruments that would secure an additional 5.2% stake, pending regulatory clearance.
No Tender Offer:
- Credit Agricole emphasized it does not intend to launch a tender offer for Banco BPM shares, underlining its position as a long-term investor.
Context:
- Banco BPM is at the center of recent consolidation efforts in Italy’s banking sector:
- UniCredit SpA made an unexpected bid for Banco BPM in November.
- Banco BPM has pursued its own acquisitions, including an offer for Anima Holding SpA and plans to acquire a stake in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA from the government.
Strategic Alignment:
- Credit Agricole’s move aligns with its strategy to be a long-term partner for Banco BPM, strengthening its foothold in the Italian banking market.
Takeaway: Credit Agricole’s increased stake underscores its commitment to deepening ties with Banco BPM amid intensifying competition and consolidation in Italy’s banking sector.
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