KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index finished marginally higher, supported by strong buying interest in consumer-related counters, amid mixed performance across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 1.40 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,711.39 from Tuesday's close of 1,709.99. The key index opened 12.36 points firmer at 1,722.35 and moved between 1,711.31 and 1,722.63 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 678 to 493, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded and 34 suspended. Turnover increased to 4.50 billion units worth RM3.45 billion from 3.93 billion units worth RM3.45 billion on Tuesday.
Key Highlights:
- Overall Decline: US industrial production dropped 0.1% in November, marking the third consecutive monthly decline, against expectations of a 0.3% rise.
- Weaker Segments:
- Utilities: Output fell the most in four months.
- Mining: Recorded the largest decline since May.
- Manufacturing: Increased 0.2%, but below expectations, following a revised 0.7% decline in October.
Sector Analysis
- Aerospace Equipment: Despite the end of a Boeing machinists' strike, aircraft parts production fell, dragging down the sector.
- Utilities: Declines reflect lower seasonal demand and output volatility.
- Mining: Reduced extraction activities contributed to the weakest results since May.
Why It Matters
- High Borrowing Costs: Companies continue to limit capital spending due to elevated interest rates.
- Export Challenges: A strong dollar and sluggish global markets are adding headwinds for US manufacturers.
- Economic Growth Signals: Persistent weakness in industrial output raises concerns about the manufacturing sector’s recovery heading into 2025.
Looking Ahead
Manufacturers may face ongoing struggles due to:
- Tepid global demand impacting exports.
- Elevated interest rates slowing business investments.
- Continued strength of the US dollar, which makes American goods less competitive abroad.
This decline adds pressure on the Federal Reserve as it assesses the economic landscape ahead of its upcoming policy decisions.
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