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.
Three US Federal Reserve officials indicated on Monday that they expect interest rates to continue declining over the next year, but stopped short of committing to a rate cut at their upcoming meeting on Dec. 17-18.
Key Remarks from Fed Officials
Christopher Waller (Fed Governor)
- Leaning Towards a Cut:
- Inclined to support a rate cut in December but emphasized that his decision will depend on upcoming data, particularly on inflation and economic activity.
- “Policy remains significantly restrictive, and cutting again will mean pressing the brake pedal less hard,” Waller said.
- Inflation Concerns:
- Highlighted the risk of inflation stalling above the 2% target, though he sees no evidence of persistent price increases in key service categories.
John Williams (New York Fed President)
- Cautious Approach:
- Stressed that the path for policy depends on data, emphasizing the uncertainty of the economic outlook.
Raphael Bostic (Atlanta Fed President)
- Keeping Options Open:
- Said he would wait for more data before deciding on a December rate cut.
Recent Rate Movements
- The Fed has reduced rates by three-quarters of a percentage point since September, starting with a larger-than-usual half-point cut.
- Rates now stand at 4.5%-4.75%, after peaking at 5.25%-5.5% earlier this year.
Economic Context
Inflation:
- Core PCE price index rose 2.8% in the 12 months ending in October, signaling sticky inflation in the service sector.
GDP Growth:
- US GDP expanded 2.8% in the last quarter, reflecting strong personal and business spending.
Labour Market:
- The labour market shows signs of balance, though strikes and storms have made clean data interpretation challenging.
Market Sentiment
- Investors are pricing in the possibility of a pause in rate cuts, particularly given concerns about inflation remaining sticky.
Looking Ahead
Payroll Data:
- The November payrolls report (due Friday) will be a key determinant for the Fed’s decision in December.
December Meeting:
- Policymakers will weigh whether to proceed with a rate cut or hold steady, based on updated economic indicators.
Framework Review:
- In January, the Fed will begin reviewing its flexible average inflation targeting framework, with Waller suggesting the current strategy may not be suitable for dynamic economic conditions.
Investor Takeaway
- The Fed’s data-dependent approach underscores uncertainty about near-term policy moves.
- A clearer direction may emerge after Friday’s payroll report and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks at the upcoming FOMC meeting.
- For now, markets remain divided on whether the cutting cycle will continue in December.
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