KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower today, in line with most regional markets, as investors adjusted their risk exposure amid spiralling oil prices driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict, now in its second month. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) retreated by 24.75 points or 1.44 per cent to 1,687.90 from Friday’s close of 1,712.65. The market bellwether opened 10.57 points weaker at 1,702.08 and fluctuated between 1,682.79 and 1,702.38. The broader market was bearish, with decliners thumping advancers 956 to 371. A total of 373 counters were unchanged, 1,042 untraded and 134 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.98 billion units worth RM4.85 billion from last Friday’s 2.97 billion units worth RM3.25 billion.
The US economy grew faster in Q3 than previously estimated, driven by strong consumer spending and a surge in exports, according to revised figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis released Thursday.
Key Highlights
GDP Growth
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at a 3.1% annualized rate in Q3, up from the prior estimate of 2.8%.
- Consumer spending, a key driver of the economy, was revised to 3.7% from 3.5%.
Exports Surge
- Exports expanded by 9.6%, significantly higher than the previous estimate of 7.5%, with growth entirely attributed to services.
Inflation Metrics
- The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, excluding food and energy, was revised slightly higher to 2.2%.
Economic Resilience
- The revised data reinforces that the economy remains strong, defying forecasters’ predictions of a slowdown.
- This comes on the heels of the Federal Reserve signaling slower rate cuts in 2025, influenced by stronger-than-expected economic data.
Other GDP Components
- Business investment, residential investment, and government spending also saw upward revisions, contributing to the stronger overall performance.
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