KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index ended the day marginally higher supported by renewed buying interest in blue-chip stocks, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 1.29 points to 1,505.45 from Thursday’s close of 1,504.16. The benchmark index opened 0.29 of-a-point lower at 1,503.87 and moved between 1,503.71 and 1,513.23 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 513 to 371 while 428 counters were unchanged, 1,125 untraded, and 29 suspended. Turnover rose to 3.43 billion units worth RM4.28 billion from 3.27 billion units worth RM2.64 billion on Thursday. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said buying interest was seen particularly within defensive sectors such as utilities, healthcare, and banking during the morning session.
Inflation Overview:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Malaysia rose 1.5% year-on-year in February 2025, reflecting a slight slowdown compared to the expected 1.6% increase.
- The housing and utilities sectors saw a deceleration in price growth, contributing to the overall slowdown in inflation.
Key Inflation Drivers:
- Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages: These prices increased by 2.5% year-on-year, with this category holding a significant 29.8% weight in the CPI calculation.
- Core Inflation: This, which excludes volatile food prices and government-controlled items, rose 1.9% year-on-year.
Sectoral Inflation (February 2025):
- Food & Beverages: +2.5% YoY
- Housing, Utilities & Fuels: +2.3% YoY
- Transport: +0.7% YoY
- Information & Communication: -5.3% YoY (a notable decrease)
- Personal Care & Miscellaneous Services: +3.7% YoY
- Furnishings & Household Maintenance: +0.3% YoY
Outlook for 2025:
- Inflation Forecast: RHB projects 2.4% inflation in 2025, up from 1.8% in 2024, driven by easing global commodity prices and moderate domestic demand.
- Fuel Subsidy Reform: The upcoming reform in mid-2025 is expected to have a limited impact on inflation if implemented gradually.
Monthly Data:
- On a month-on-month basis, CPI rose 0.4% in February, a significant improvement from January’s 0.1% decrease.
Conclusion:
- Inflation in Malaysia is expected to stay manageable through 2025, with sectors like food, housing, and transport continuing to drive price changes, but overall inflation remaining relatively stable.
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