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KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia continued its positive momentum to close higher today on improved investor sentiment in tandem with the upbeat regional market performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 5.57 points to 1,486.43 compared to Monday’s close of 1,480.86. The benchmark index opened 3.15 points higher at 1,484.01 and moved between 1,480.02 to 1,489.90. In the broader market, gainers beat decliners 478 to 431, while 459 counters were unchanged, 1,029 untraded, and nine others suspended.  Turnover expanded to 3.36 billion units valued at RM1.91 billion from 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.06 billion on Monday.  

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher today, lifted by continued bargain-hunting activities and improved sentiment across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 26.10 points to end at its intraday high of 1,480.86, compared to Friday’s close of 1,454.76. The benchmark index opened 19.29 points higher at 1,474.05, dipped to a low of 1,472.14, before resuming its uptrend thereafter. In the broader market, gainers thumped decliners 798 to 248, while 359 counters were unchanged, 978 counters untraded, and nine others suspended.  Turnover rose to 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.06 billion from 2.80 billion units valued at RM2.46 billion last Friday.  

Singapore has downgraded its  2025 GDP growth forecast to just 0% to 2% , warning that  US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs  and the intensifying trade war are set to hit global trade and economic momentum hard. 🔻 What’s Behind the Downgrade? The  Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)  cited the  US’s 10% baseline tariff  on all imports and  even higher reciprocal tariffs  for some countries. The  US-China trade war  has worsened, with  China now imposing up to 125% tariffs  on US goods. These moves are expected to  weigh heavily on global trade , hurt business confidence, and slow down investment. Economic Impact: Singapore's Q1 GDP grew 3.8% , but this was  down from 5% in Q4 2024 . On a  quarterly basis , the economy  contracted 0.8% , mainly due to declines in  manufacturing and financial services . Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)  has also  eased policy  for the s...

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) --  The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped into negative territory today to end the week on a subdued note, weighed down by selling in banking blue chips as investors continued to assess the global trade outlook. At 5 pm, the FBM KLCI fell 8.37 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 1,454.76 from Thursday’s close of 1,463.13. The benchmark index opened 21.47 points lower at 1,441.66 and retreated to a low of 1,434.92 during the morning session, before recouping its losses to hit a high 1,462.15 in the early afternoon session. Market breadth, however, was slightly positive with gainers surpassing decliners by 472 to 442. A total of 456 counters were unchanged, 993 untraded, and nine suspended. Turnover slid to 2.80 billion units valued at RM2.46 billion against 4.41 billion units valued at RM3.81 billion on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded sharply to close higher today, with the benchmark index rising 4.47 per cent, amid improved market sentiment across the region following the United States (US) tariff pause announcement. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 62.54 points to 1,463.13 from Wednesday’s close of 1,400.59. The benchmark index opened 63.71 points higher to 1,464.30, then retreated a low of 1,453.13 after 15 minutes of trading before continuing to trend to a high of 1,473.36 at mid-morning and maintained its positive momentum towards closing. Market breadth was positive, with gainers overwhelming decliners 1,075 to 183, while 261 counters were unchanged, 847 untraded, and 10 suspended.   Turnover expanded to 4.41 billion units valued at RM3.81 billion compared to 3.77 billion units valued at RM3.79 billion on Wednesday.

Malaysian equities staged a powerful rebound on Thursday , riding the wave of global relief after  US President Donald Trump paused his reciprocal tariffs —except on China. The move  restored RM75 billion in market value on Bursa Malaysia in just one morning. Market Highlights: FBM KLCI jumped 4.5% at open , hitting 1,473.36 before pausing at 1,465.00 (+64.41 pts). All  30 KLCI component stocks  traded higher. CIMB (+9%) ,  Gamuda ,  Petronas Chemicals , and  Nestlé Malaysia  each climbed nearly  8% . FBM ACE Index : +5% Technology Index : +12% Energy Index : +7% Construction Index : +6% Global Boost: Malaysia joined a broader  Asia-wide rally , with: Taiwan Taiex  and  Japan’s Nikkei 225  up ~9% South Korea’s Kospi  surged 6% Market Commentary: Danny Wong (Areca Capital) : “Today’s rebound may be a temporary blip... downside risks remain due to unresolved tariff issues.” Areca manages over  RM5 billion  in ...

In the latest issue of  Tong’s Portfolio , Tong Kooi Ong argues that while  Trump’s tariff strategy may be grounded in economic theory , its  execution risks backfiring on a global scale  — creating not only global trade uncertainty, but potentially triggering  retaliation, supply chain disruptions, and global welfare losses . The Economic Theory Behind Trump's Move: Based on  optimal tariff theory , a country with  market power  can impose tariffs to shift trade terms in its favor, improving national welfare by: Reducing import prices  through global demand suppression Increasing tariff revenue Transferring income  from foreign exporters The key formula: Optimal Tariff Rate = 1 / ε  (ε = foreign export supply elasticity) Lower elasticity = higher potential optimal tariff Trump’s formula for reciprocal tariffs also mirrors this theory: Δt = (X-M) / M , where X = US exports, M = US imports. Why the Execution is Flawed: Trump imposed...

Asian stocks and currencies surged Thursday  after US President  Donald Trump paused sweeping new tariffs , providing temporary relief that fueled the  biggest rally in emerging Asian equities in over two years . Market Highlights: MSCI EM Asia Index:   +4% , biggest one-day gain since Nov 2022 ASEAN equities:   +5% , best day since the pandemic’s onset Singapore’s STI Index:   +9% , after a 15% drop over two weeks Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand benchmarks:  Up ~5% Philippines stocks:  +2% Ringgit & Rupiah:  +0.5% vs USD The Trigger: Trump  reversed course  just hours after his  reciprocal tariffs took effect , introducing a  90-day pause  for most countries— excluding China , which now faces a  125% tariff . “The 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs seems to reduce the likelihood that Emerging Asia is headed for its worst GDP outcomes,” said Barclays analysts. But they added: “ The region is not out of the wood...

Gold prices jumped more than 1% on Thursday  as investors  rushed to safe-haven assets  after US President Donald Trump  raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% , intensifying trade war fears — even as a  90-day pause was granted to other countries. Key Highlights: Spot gold:  Up  1.2% to US$3,119.18/oz US gold futures:  Gained  1.8% to US$3,135.50/oz Gold hit its  best day since Oct 2023  in the previous session Silver:  +0.2% to  US$31.08/oz Platinum:  -0.5% to  US$932.81/oz Palladium:  -1.2% to  US$922.72/oz What’s Driving the Surge? Trump’s move to hike China tariffs  further inflamed global trade tensions. Gold, seen as a  hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty , has become a top pick in times of instability. Analysts forecast further gains: “We do see US$3,200 possibly by month-end,” said Edward Meir of Marex. 📊 Supporting Factors: Fed’s dovish outlook  amid signs of pe...

As recession fears grow from Trump’s tariff war,  Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest , urges investors to  look beyond short-term pain  and focus on  disruptive innovators  poised to lead in recovery. Why Innovation Wins in a Downturn: “When businesses and consumers are scared, they change the way they operate,” said Wood. That opens doors for companies that  help others do things better, cheaper, faster, and smarter  — especially with  AI and automation leading the way . Top Cathie Wood Picks for a Recession Playbook: Palantir (PLTR) +19.00% AI-powered data analytics for  governments and corporations Key asset as firms seek  efficiency through AI transformation “Palantir will be a  major beneficiary  as the C-suite scrambles to get AI-ready.” Tesla (TSLA) +22.69% Down 28% YTD before rebounding sharply Launching  $30K EV model , reviving affordability in car buying Robotaxi vision  = cheaper Uber-like rides without human ...

Malaysia has welcomed the US decision to pause its sweeping tariff hikes , but  Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz  stressed that the  volatile policy environment still poses major challenges for ASEAN . What Happened: US President  Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause  on the planned increase in  reciprocal tariffs , keeping a  lower 10% tariff  in place for now. China is excluded , facing a steep  125% tariff  for not cooperating on trade negotiations. Malaysia's Stance: Zafrul described the US decision as  welcome , but warned that  “significant challenges” remain  due to  policy uncertainty . He emphasized Malaysia’s role in  advocating for balanced and predictable trade  through ASEAN. “These latest developments will be discussed at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting I’m chairing today,” he shared. Malaysia's Trade Game Plan: Trade diversification : Exploring new markets while stre...

CUCKOO International (MAL) Berhad  has announced a  postponement of its Initial Public Offering (IPO)  on Bursa Malaysia, citing  market volatility  as the key reason for rescheduling its listing from  30 April to 24 June 2025 . What’s Changed? New listing date:  24 June 2025 IPO application closing date:  5 June 2025 A  supplementary prospectus  will be issued, and investors who already applied may  withdraw during a designated period  (details to follow). CEO’s Statement: "As the market presents near-term challenges, we believe that this is a prudent decision," said  CEO Hoe Kian Choon . He reiterated CUCKOO’s  long-term confidence  and commitment to delivering growth across all business segments. Why It Matters: The move reflects  uncertainty in Malaysia’s capital market , possibly linked to  global tariff tensions and investor caution . CUCKOO aims to ensure a  sustainable and successful market...

The latest  US tariff wave may hurt Asia-Pacific (Apac) overall , but  Malaysia  and several peers could  gain market share  through  trade triangulation , according to  Moody’s Ratings . What Moody’s Says: The  new US tariffs  are  credit negative for Apac , particularly for economies tied closely to China. However,  countries with mid-range tariffs (10–30%)  — like  Malaysia, India, and the Philippines  — may benefit as companies  reroute trade flows  to access the US market. This shift may  boost Malaysia’s role  in the regional supply chain, particularly in  electronics and manufacturing . Key Opportunities: Trade triangulation : Companies may export goods to the US  via Malaysia  or  relocate production  to avoid steep China tariffs. Intra-regional investment  is expected to grow as companies  seek resilience  in their supply chains. “Lower-tariff countr...

Uncertainty over new US tariffs has prompted some Malaysian exporters to temporarily halt shipments , particularly in sectors like  furniture, petroleum products, and electronics parts . The confusion stems from a lack of clarity on the  exact tariff rates and administrative procedures , leaving both exporters and US importers in limbo. Shipments Stalled Furniture exporters  say US buyers asked them to  hold off  until the financial impact is clearer. Petroleum product exporters  echoed the same, awaiting customer guidance. Exporters fear goods will be stranded at US ports if tariffs aren't properly processed or paid. “The situation is chaotic. Even US importers don’t know what to pay,” one exporter said. Key Export Numbers: Manufactured goods = 85%  of Malaysia’s total exports (RM1.6 trillion in 2025). US exports grew from  RM98.8b (2018–2020)  to  RM159.9b (2021–2023) . Electrical & Electronics (E&E)  products make up 60% ...

Apple (AAPL)  skyrocketed 15.3%  on Wednesday — its  biggest single-day gain since 1998  — following President Trump’s  tariff pause . But despite the market celebration, analysts caution:  Apple’s China risk still looms large . What Sparked the Rally? Trump  paused 25% reciprocal tariffs  for most countries for 90 days, holding a  10% baseline rate . However,  China is excluded  — with  tariffs on Chinese goods raised to 125% , effective immediately. Relief over avoided tariffs — for now — fueled a broader  tech stock surge . Why Apple Still Faces Big Risks: 85%–90% of iPhones are made in China  (Wedbush, CFRA estimates). Shifting production  is complex and costly, even with  some existing operations in India and Vietnam . Higher China tariffs could force Apple to  raise prices or take margin hits . “China remains the biggest X variable related to Apple and the broader supply chain,”  said Daniel ...

Semiconductor stocks exploded higher Wednesday , leading a broad market rally after  Trump paused reciprocal tariffs  for most countries (except China). But investors are now asking:  Is it time to buy chip stocks? Market Snapshot: Nasdaq surged 12%  after Trump's tariff pause announcement SOXX ETF (Semiconductor Index)  jumped  18% , rebounding from a 33% plunge since Feb 19 Chip giants: Nvidia (NVDA): +18.72% Taiwan Semi (TSM): +12.29% Qualcomm (QCOM): +15.19% Amazon (AMZN): +11.98%  (on chip/data optimism) Why Chips Are Volatile Chip stocks are  highly cyclical  — when demand drops,  profits fall fast . Production can’t adjust as quickly  as customer orders, leading to  price pressure  and margin declines. When macro fears ease (like with Trump's tariff shift), these same names  rebound sharply . 📉 The Buy Signal: Valuation Before the rally,  chip valuations were at historic lows , making them attractive. Nvi...

The  Federal Reserve sees rising risks of persistent inflation , with  Trump’s sweeping tariffs  a major concern highlighted in the minutes of the latest policy meeting. What the Fed Said: Tariffs were mentioned 18 times  in the March 19–20 FOMC meeting minutes, up from just once in January. Officials held rates steady at  4.25%–4.50%  and signaled  three rate cuts by year-end , but stressed  a “wait-and-see” approach  amid uncertainty. Key worry:  “Inflationary effects may be more persistent than projected.” What's Driving Concern: Trump’s tariff policies , especially the  10% global baseline tariff  and steeper “reciprocal” tariffs, are viewed as  potential inflation accelerators . Market volatility  and  tightening financial conditions  are also seen as risks that could amplify economic shocks. Business uncertainty  is rising, as companies struggle to navigate unexpected tariff expansions. Mixed Econ...

President Donald Trump reversed course on steep reciprocal tariffs , pausing new levies on nearly 100 nations just hours after they took effect.  But China wasn’t spared —its tariffs were  increased to 125% , triggering a mixed reaction of  market euphoria and policy confusion . What Just Happened: Trump’s  10% baseline global tariff remains , but  a 90-day pause  was granted for the steeper “reciprocal” tariffs— except for China . China’s new  125% tariff rate is “effective immediately.” Canada and Mexico stay  exempt from the baseline tariffs , though higher levies on some goods remain planned. Market Reaction: Nasdaq soared 12% S&P 500 jumped 9.5% Dow surged 7.9% (up 2,962 points) Bond markets also shifted sharply— long-term yields dropped ,  short-term yields spiked . Trump’s Take: On pausing tariffs: “They were getting a little yippy... a little bit afraid.” On China: “They want to make a deal.” On the markets: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME ...