KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its losing streak for a fourth consecutive session, closing lower on Thursday amid continued broad-based selling that weighed on market sentiment, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 9.23 points or 0.57 per cent to 1,585.96 from Wednesday's close of 1,595.19. The benchmark index opened 3.61 points lower at 1,591.58 and fluctuated between an intraday low of 1,583.66 and a high of 1,592.89 throughout the day. Market breadth remained negative with losers thumping gainers 799 to 318, while 476 counters were unchanged, 1,181 untraded and 13 suspended. Turnover climbed to 3.06 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion compared with yesterday’s 2.90 billion units valued at RM2.33 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.
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