KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index edged higher at the close as bargain hunting emerged following Monday’s sharp sell-off, although it narrowly failed to reclaim the 1,600 level, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 3.83 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 1,599.58 from Monday’s close of 1,595.75. The index opened 3.18 points lower at 1,592.57, marking its intraday low, and reached an intraday high of 1,602.83 in early trading. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 751 to 331, while 499 counters were unchanged, 1,259 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.86 billion units worth RM2.42 billion against Monday’s 2.49 billion units worth RM2.38 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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