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.
The ringgit is forecast to remain under pressure against the US dollar in the near term, driven by the Federal Reserve’s less dovish monetary stance, according to Kenanga Research.
Key Projections
- Exchange Rate: The ringgit is expected to stay above 4.50 against the US dollar going into 2025.
- Recent Performance: The ringgit, which had gained 15% against the dollar between January and September, has since retreated amid the strength of the US economy. It last traded at 4.5060, up 1.88% year-to-date.
Factors Influencing the Ringgit
- US Economic Strength: Strong domestic demand and inflationary pressures are propping up the dollar.
- Fed’s Monetary Policy: The Fed’s cautious approach to rate cuts bolsters the dollar’s appeal, with markets anticipating only one rate cut in 2025.
- Trump’s Policies: Uncertainty around policies under the incoming US administration may lead the Fed to delay cuts further.
Outlook for 2025
- Kenanga projects two to three Fed rate cuts in 2025, which could provide relief for the ringgit in the latter half of the year.
- In Malaysia, Bank Negara’s overnight policy rate is expected to remain steady at 3% through 2025.
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