KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower on Thursday amid profit-taking in big-cap stocks, as investors shifted their focus to smaller-cap counters against the backdrop of weaker regional market performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 7.26 points or 0.43 per cent to 1,669.57 from Wednesday’s close of 1,676.83. The FBM KLCI opened 2.61 points lower at 1,674.22 and moved between 1,666.34 and 1,674.44 throughout the day. On the broader market, gainers led losers by 579 to 489, while 565 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover was slightly higher at 2.79 billion units worth RM2.84 billion from Wednesday’s 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion.
Beijing’s Banking Stimulus Plan
- China to inject at least 400 billion yuan ($55B) into major banks as part of an economic stimulus package.
- The first batch includes Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of Communications, with the plan expected to be completed by June.
- Total capital injection could reach 1 trillion yuan ($138B), funded by special sovereign bond issuance.
Market & Banking Sector Impact
- Agricultural Bank of China (+2.6%) and Bank of Communications (+2.2%) gained in Hong Kong following the news.
- China’s banking regulator first hinted at capital replenishment in September 2024, with further confirmation from the Ministry of Finance.
- Despite Chinese banks exceeding capital requirements, they face shrinking margins, rising bad debt, and profit pressures.
Economic Context & Policy Moves
- China has enacted broad economic stimulus measures, including:
- Mortgage rate cuts
- Lower key policy interest rates
- Encouraging more lending to support economic growth
- This is the first major state-funded bank recapitalization since the 2008 financial crisis.
Summary:
- China to inject at least $55B into key banks, possibly rising to $138B.
- Funding will come from special sovereign bonds.
- Banks like Agricultural Bank of China & Bank of Communications saw stock gains.
- Move aims to strengthen the banking system amid weak profits and rising bad debt.
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