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.
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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