Malaysia’s benchmark index retreated as profit-taking in key heavyweights weighed on sentiment, while overall market activity remained active. Summary FBM KLCI fell 0.83% to 1,684.93 , dragged by losses in banking and selected large-cap names, despite steady trading participation. Market Performance FBM KLCI : 1,684.93 (-0.83%) FBM Mid 70: -0.00% (flat) FBM Small Cap: -0.23% FBM ACE: +0.20% Broad market was mixed , with weakness concentrated in large caps. Market Breadth & Trading Activity Total volume: 3.54 billion shares Total value: RM4.19 billion Gainers: 456 Losers: 678 Unchanged: 550 Market breadth turned negative , reflecting cautious sentiment. Top Movers – KLCI Gainers Axiata (6888.MY) +1.54% Petronas Gas (6033.MY) +1.18% Sunway (5211.MY) +1.15% Losers Hong Leong Bank (5819.MY) -3.29% Maybank (1155.MY) -3.02% CIMB (1023.MY) -2.47% Banking sector weakness was the main ...
Sharpest Drop Since 2021 as Economic Pessimism Spreads
- US consumer confidence fell 7 points in February to 98.3, marking the third consecutive decline and the largest drop since August 2021.
- The report, released by The Conference Board, showed worsening perceptions of labor conditions, future incomes, and business outlook.
- Stocks and bond yields declined following the data, as recession fears intensified.
Consumers Cutting Back on Major Life Plans
- A Wells Fargo study found over half of Americans are delaying major financial decisions, citing economic uncertainty and Trump’s tariff threats.
- Key postponements include:
- Home purchases (one-third of respondents)
- Education plans (one in six)
- Retirement plans (one in eight)
Wall Street Selloff Deepens
- The Magnificent 7 stocks tumbled into correction territory, with a $1.6 trillion market value loss since December.
- Tesla led the declines, plunging 37%, followed by significant drops in other tech giants.
- The downturn reflects uncertainty over Trump’s economic policies, inflation risks, and AI sector concerns.
Corporate and Policy Shifts
- Citigroup reversed its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives after Trump’s executive order banning “illegal DEI” policies.
- A group of 21 federal workers resigned from Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency”, protesting efforts to dismantle federal agencies.
Global Economic Developments
- Ukraine and the US finalized a minerals deal, seen as a strategic move in ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- The Financial Stability Board (FSB) launched an investigation into hedge funds, focusing on leveraged bond market trades that could pose systemic financial risks.
Corporate Leadership and Market Trends
- Unilever appointed Fernando Fernandez as CEO, replacing Hein Schumacher amid dissatisfaction over restructuring progress.
- Trump’s tax cut plan advanced in the House, supporting stock markets and the dollar, while Treasury yields stabilized after recent declines.
What to Watch Next?
- Nvidia’s earnings report, which could impact AI sector sentiment.
- The European Central Bank’s stance on rate cuts.
- Further market reactions to Trump’s economic policies.
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