KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher today as buying on selected blue chips continued, said a brokerage. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 8.85 points or 0.51 per cent to 1,756.39 from Tuesday’s close of 1,747.54. The barometer index opened 3.69 points higher at 1,751.23 before moving as low as 1,745.51 in early trade to as high as 1,757.15 during the mid-afternoon session. Market breadth was positive with gainers leading losers 575 to 474, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,087 untraded and 11 suspended. Turnover expanded to 2.55 billion units valued at RM3.06 billion from yesterday’s 2.19 billion units valued at RM2.35 billion.
BOT’s Unexpected Move Spurs Market Rally
- The Bank of Thailand (BOT) cut its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, surprising economists.
- The move aims to support economic growth and weaken the baht to boost exports.
- 16 out of 26 economists in a Reuters poll had expected no change in policy.
Market Reactions
- Thai stocks jumped 2%, rebounding after two consecutive sessions of losses.
- The baht remained flat, despite expectations of further rate cuts later this year.
- Other Asian markets gained:
- Philippines (+1.3%)
- Malaysia (+1.2%)
- China (+1%)
Regional Currency Movements
- Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah fell 0.2%.
- Taiwan dollar traded flat after Taiwan revised down its 2025 GDP forecast to 3.14% from 3.29%.
- US dollar index gained 0.3%, recovering from an 11-week low.
Outlook & Future Risks
- Analysts expect one or two more rate cuts if the US imposes tariffs on Thailand or if global growth slows.
- BOT joins South Korea in easing rates, while Indonesia and the Philippines kept theirs unchanged.
- The Trump administration’s semiconductor restrictions on China remain a key global economic factor.
Summary:
- BOT unexpectedly cut interest rates by 0.25%, boosting Thai stocks by 2%.
- The baht remained stable, while regional currencies saw slight losses.
- Further rate cuts are possible, depending on global risks.
- Markets in China, the Philippines, and Malaysia also posted gains.
Comments
Post a Comment