KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher on Wednesday, with the key index rising 1.10 per cent, in line with firm gains across regional markets following a strong rally on Wall Street overnight, said an analyst. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the improvement in sentiment was underpinned by easing geopolitical concerns and a decline in oil prices. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increase 18.54 points or 1.10 per cent to 1,708.90 from Tuesday’s close of 1,690.36. The benchmark index opened 25.58 points higher at 1,715.94, marking its intraday high, and hit a low of 1,700.20 during the mid-morning session. The broader market was positive, with gainers leading decliners 780 to 444. A total of 475 counters were unchanged, 926 untraded and 11 suspended.
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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