KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end higher today with the benchmark FBM KLCI reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation of the Iran conflict, alongside Malaysia’s stronger Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 27.51 points, or 1.64 per cent, to 1,701.68 from yesterday’s close of 1,674.17. The benchmark index opened 10.68 points higher at 1,684.85, its lowest point today, and hit a high of 1,703.61 in the late afternoon session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers thumping losers 929 to 382. A total of 361 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.60 billion units worth RM3.75 billion from yesterday’s 5.52 billion units worth RM5.87 billion.
Gold is heading for a weekly decline, with prices down 1.6% as optimism over 2025 Federal Reserve rate cutswanes. Despite trading above US$2,605 per ounce, the precious metal faces pressure from hawkish signals and resilient US economic data.
Key Highlights
1. Fed’s Rate-Cut Outlook
- The Fed reduced rates on Wednesday but hinted at a cautious approach to further cuts.
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need for “more progress on inflation” before additional easing.
- Lower rates typically benefit gold, as it doesn’t pay interest, but the current monetary stance has tempered expectations.
2. Economic Data Weighs on Gold
- US GDP Data: Thursday’s report showed resilient economic growth and consumer spending revised up to 2.2%, reducing urgency for rate cuts.
- Traders now await the November Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, a critical inflation indicator, due Friday.
3. Gold’s 2024 Rally Stalls
- 2024 Performance: Gold surged 26% this year, supported by:
- Monetary easing in the US.
- Safe-haven demand amid global uncertainties.
- Sustained central bank buying.
- The rally paused in November as Donald Trump’s election victory boosted the US dollar, pressuring gold prices.
4. Market Challenges Ahead
- ANZ Group Analysis: Analysts highlighted a potential headwind from weakening physical demand in India, a key gold market.
- The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 1.2% over three sessions, further weighing on gold prices.
Other Precious Metals
- Silver: Steady.
- Palladium: Unchanged.
- Platinum: Declined.
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