April 2025

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Showing posts from April, 2025

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Roars Back, CI Jumps 1.63 Pct On Bargain Hunting, Foreign Funds

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia bounced back from yesterday’s losses to close on a firmer footing today, with the key index gaining 1.63 per cent, buoyed by bargain hunting, renewed foreign fund inflows, and signs of easing trade-related anxieties. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) jumped 24.66 points to 1,540.22 from yesterday’s close of 1,515.56. The market bellwether opened 2.51 points higher at 1,518.07, marking its intraday low, and climbed to its intraday high at closing. On the broader market, market breadth was positive with 454 gainers outpacing 347 decliners, while 475 counters were unchanged, 1,143 untraded, and 96 suspended. Turnover slid to 2.56 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion against yesterday’s 3.04 billion units valued at RM1.81 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower On Profit-Taking

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower today due to profit- taking following several days of uptrend, amid the mostly upbeat regional market performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 6.03 points to 1,515.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,521.59. The benchmark index opened 0.61 of-a-point lower at 1,520.98 and climbed to its intraday high of 1,524.50 during the mid-morning session and thereafter trended downwards to hit an intraday low of 1,515.56 at closing. Market breadth was negative with decliners thumping gainers 506 to 405, while 450 counters were unchanged, 1,079 untraded, and 117 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.04 billion units valued at RM1.81 billion against yesterday’s 2.61 billion units valued at RM1.74 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Extends Uptrend For Third Day On Renewed Buying Interest

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its uptrend for a third consecutive day on Friday, closing higher on renewed buying interest amid positive regional market performance due to potential de-escalating US-China trade tensions. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 2.68 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 1,509.20 from Thursday’s close of 1,506.52. The benchmark index opened 5.12 points better at 1,511.64, and moved between 1,505.68 and 1,512.29 throughout the day. Market breadth was positive, with advancers beating decliners 651 to 325, while 434 counters were unchanged, 1,047 untraded, and 39 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.10 billion units valued at RM1.95 billion against Thursday’s 3.08 billion units valued at RM2.14 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Extends Uptrend Amid Improving Market Sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended yesterday’s uptrend to close on a firmer footing today, staying above the 1,500 mark, supported by improving market sentiment amid easing US-China trade tensions, despite mixed performances across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 5.33 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 1,506.52 from Wednesday’s close of 1,501.19. The benchmark index opened 0.64 of a point lower at 1,500.55, and moved between 1,500.40 and 1,507.45 throughout the day. Market breadth was positive, with advancers beating decliners 462 to 426, while 457 counters were unchanged, 1,070 untraded, and 13 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.08 billion units valued at RM2.14 billion against Wednesday’s 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends At Intraday High, Breaks 1,500 Key Level

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded from yesterday’s downbeat performance to end at its intraday high today, driven by bargain hunting, particularly in technology, energy, construction, and consumer stocks. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 14.94 points or 1.01 per cent to 1,501.19 from Tuesday’s close of 1,486.25. The benchmark index opened 11.11 points higher at 1,497.36 and hit a low of 1,493.26 in the mid-afternoon session before climbing steadily upwards towards closing. Market breadth was positive, with advancers thumping decliners 717 to 264, while 403 counters were unchanged, 1,021 untraded, and 11 suspended. Turnover slipped to 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion against Tuesday’s 3.43 billion units valued at RM1.66 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower Amid US Tensions, Cautious Market

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower on selling activities in the financial services and industrial products and services sectors’ heavyweights, amid tensions between US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. The tensions, coupled with global uncertainty, have sparked investors’ concern, prompting them to remain cautious. CIMB gave up 11 sen to RM6.75, Hong Leong Bank slid 44 sen to RM19.54, and Press Metal Aluminium erased 10 sen to RM4.70. These counters dragged the composite index down by a combined 5.04 points. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 13.22 points or 0.88 per cent to 1,486.25 from Monday’s close of 1,499.47. The benchmark index opened 7.03 points lower at 1,492.44 and moved between 1,482.70 and 1,492.44 during the early session.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Little Changed On Subdued Trading

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed flat to settle at slightly below the 1,500-mark on Monday as investors balanced persistent global uncertainties with signs of underlying domestic resilience, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) inched up 0.07 of-a-point to 1,499.47 compared to Friday’s close of 1,499.40. The benchmark index opened 2.68 points higher at an intraday high of 1,502.08 and hit an intraday low of 1,494.27 during the early afternoon session. In the broader market, decliners outpaced gainers 512 to 308, while 463 counters were unchanged, 1,142 untraded, and 39 others suspended. Turnover dwindled to 1.53 billion units valued at RM1.19 billion against Friday’s 1.69 billion units valued at RM1.24 billion.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Up 1.09 Pct, CI A Whisker Away From Key 1,500 Level

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher on the final trading day of the week, finishing just a whisker away from the psychological 1,500 mark, lifted by positive regional cues and improved investor sentiment. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 16.13 points, or 1.09 per cent, to 1,499.40 compared to Thursday’s close of 1,483.27. The benchmark index opened 1.63 points lower at 1,481.64 and thereafter slipped to 1,480.52 in early trading before gaining strength to end the day at its intraday high. In the broader market, gainers thumped decliners 543 to 256, while 441 counters were unchanged, 1,183 untraded, and 29 others suspended. Turnover dwindled to 1.69 billion units valued at RM1.24 billion from 2.40 billion units valued at RM1.60 billion on Thursday.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Higher In Sync With Regional Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded from early losses to close higher today, supported by the upbeat performance of regional peers amid improved investor sentiment. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) added 6.35 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 1,483.27 compared to Wednesday’s close of 1,476.92. The benchmark index opened 1.75 points lower at 1,475.17 and moved between 1,473.21 and 1,487.27 throughout the day. In the broader market, gainers outpaced decliners 455 to 354, while 467 counters were unchanged, 1,134 untraded, and 19 others suspended. Turnover slipped to 2.40 billion units valued at RM1.60 billion from 3.00 billion units valued at RM1.65 billion on Wednesday.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower On Profit-taking, Trade Tariff Concerns

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower today, weighed down by persistent profit-taking amid ongoing concerns over global trade tariffs. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped 9.51 points, or 0.64 per cent, to 1,476.92 compared to Tuesday’s close of 1,486.43. The benchmark index opened 0.02 of-a-point higher to 1,486.45 and moved between 1,472.84 and 1,487.50 throughout the day. In the broader market, decliners outpaced gainers 573 to 320, while 434 counters were unchanged, 1,071 untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.00 billion units valued at RM1.65 billion from 3.36 billion units valued at RM1.91 billion on Tuesday.

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Extends Gains On Improved Sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia continued its positive momentum to close higher today on improved investor sentiment in tandem with the upbeat regional market performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 5.57 points to 1,486.43 compared to Monday’s close of 1,480.86. The benchmark index opened 3.15 points higher at 1,484.01 and moved between 1,480.02 to 1,489.90. In the broader market, gainers beat decliners 478 to 431, while 459 counters were unchanged, 1,029 untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.36 billion units valued at RM1.91 billion from 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.06 billion on Monday.

Market Daily Report: FBM KLCI Gains 26.10 Points To Close At Day’s High

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher today, lifted by continued bargain-hunting activities and improved sentiment across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 26.10 points to end at its intraday high of 1,480.86, compared to Friday’s close of 1,454.76. The benchmark index opened 19.29 points higher at 1,474.05, dipped to a low of 1,472.14, before resuming its uptrend thereafter. In the broader market, gainers thumped decliners 798 to 248, while 359 counters were unchanged, 978 counters untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover rose to 2.99 billion units valued at RM2.06 billion from 2.80 billion units valued at RM2.46 billion last Friday.

Singapore Slashes 2025 Growth Forecast as Trump Tariffs Shake Global Trade

Singapore has downgraded its 2025 GDP growth forecast to just 0% to 2% , warning that US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and the intensifying trade war are set to hit global trade and economic momentum hard. 🔻 What’s Behind the Downgrade? The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) cited the US’s 10% baseline tariff on all imports and even higher reciprocal tariffs for some countries. The US-China trade war has worsened, with China now imposing up to 125% tariffs on US goods. These moves are expected to weigh heavily on global trade , hurt business confidence, and slow down investment. Economic Impact: Singapore's Q1 GDP grew 3.8% , but this was down from 5% in Q4 2024 . On a quarterly basis , the economy contracted 0.8% , mainly due to declines in manufacturing and financial services . Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has also eased policy for the s...

Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Pares Earlier Losses To End Marginally Lower

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped into negative territory today to end the week on a subdued note, weighed down by selling in banking blue chips as investors continued to assess the global trade outlook. At 5 pm, the FBM KLCI fell 8.37 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 1,454.76 from Thursday’s close of 1,463.13. The benchmark index opened 21.47 points lower at 1,441.66 and retreated to a low of 1,434.92 during the morning session, before recouping its losses to hit a high 1,462.15 in the early afternoon session. Market breadth, however, was slightly positive with gainers surpassing decliners by 472 to 442. A total of 456 counters were unchanged, 993 untraded, and nine suspended. Turnover slid to 2.80 billion units valued at RM2.46 billion against 4.41 billion units valued at RM3.81 billion on Thursday.

Market Daily Report: Tariff Pause Lifts Bursa Malaysia, CI Up 4.47 Pct At Close

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded sharply to close higher today, with the benchmark index rising 4.47 per cent, amid improved market sentiment across the region following the United States (US) tariff pause announcement. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 62.54 points to 1,463.13 from Wednesday’s close of 1,400.59. The benchmark index opened 63.71 points higher to 1,464.30, then retreated a low of 1,453.13 after 15 minutes of trading before continuing to trend to a high of 1,473.36 at mid-morning and maintained its positive momentum towards closing. Market breadth was positive, with gainers overwhelming decliners 1,075 to 183, while 261 counters were unchanged, 847 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.41 billion units valued at RM3.81 billion compared to 3.77 billion units valued at RM3.79 billion on Wednesday.

Malaysian Stocks Soar, RM75 Bil Recovered in Relief Rally After Tariff Pause

Malaysian equities staged a powerful rebound on Thursday , riding the wave of global relief after US President Donald Trump paused his reciprocal tariffs —except on China. The move restored RM75 billion in market value on Bursa Malaysia in just one morning. Market Highlights: FBM KLCI jumped 4.5% at open , hitting 1,473.36 before pausing at 1,465.00 (+64.41 pts). All 30 KLCI component stocks traded higher. CIMB (+9%) , Gamuda , Petronas Chemicals , and Nestlé Malaysia each climbed nearly 8% . FBM ACE Index : +5% Technology Index : +12% Energy Index : +7% Construction Index : +6% Global Boost: Malaysia joined a broader Asia-wide rally , with: Taiwan Taiex and Japan’s Nikkei 225 up ~9% South Korea’s Kospi surged 6% Market Commentary: Danny Wong (Areca Capital) : “Today’s rebound may be a temporary blip... downside risks remain due to unresolved tariff issues.” Areca manages over RM5 billion in ...

Trump's 'Big' Tariff Blunder: When Theory Meets Unstable Reality

In the latest issue of Tong’s Portfolio , Tong Kooi Ong argues that while Trump’s tariff strategy may be grounded in economic theory , its execution risks backfiring on a global scale — creating not only global trade uncertainty, but potentially triggering retaliation, supply chain disruptions, and global welfare losses . The Economic Theory Behind Trump's Move: Based on optimal tariff theory , a country with market power can impose tariffs to shift trade terms in its favor, improving national welfare by: Reducing import prices through global demand suppression Increasing tariff revenue Transferring income from foreign exporters The key formula: Optimal Tariff Rate = 1 / ε (ε = foreign export supply elasticity) Lower elasticity = higher potential optimal tariff Trump’s formula for reciprocal tariffs also mirrors this theory: Δt = (X-M) / M , where X = US exports, M = US imports. Why the Execution is Flawed: Trump imposed...

Asian Markets Soar as Trump Hits Pause on Tariffs (Except China)

Asian stocks and currencies surged Thursday after US President Donald Trump paused sweeping new tariffs , providing temporary relief that fueled the biggest rally in emerging Asian equities in over two years . Market Highlights: MSCI EM Asia Index: +4% , biggest one-day gain since Nov 2022 ASEAN equities: +5% , best day since the pandemic’s onset Singapore’s STI Index: +9% , after a 15% drop over two weeks Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand benchmarks: Up ~5% Philippines stocks: +2% Ringgit & Rupiah: +0.5% vs USD The Trigger: Trump reversed course just hours after his reciprocal tariffs took effect , introducing a 90-day pause for most countries— excluding China , which now faces a 125% tariff . “The 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs seems to reduce the likelihood that Emerging Asia is headed for its worst GDP outcomes,” said Barclays analysts. But they added: “ The region is not out of the wood...

Gold Surges Over 1% as Trump Escalates China Tariffs

Gold prices jumped more than 1% on Thursday as investors rushed to safe-haven assets after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% , intensifying trade war fears — even as a 90-day pause was granted to other countries. Key Highlights: Spot gold: Up 1.2% to US$3,119.18/oz US gold futures: Gained 1.8% to US$3,135.50/oz Gold hit its best day since Oct 2023 in the previous session Silver: +0.2% to US$31.08/oz Platinum: -0.5% to US$932.81/oz Palladium: -1.2% to US$922.72/oz What’s Driving the Surge? Trump’s move to hike China tariffs further inflamed global trade tensions. Gold, seen as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty , has become a top pick in times of instability. Analysts forecast further gains: “We do see US$3,200 possibly by month-end,” said Edward Meir of Marex. 📊 Supporting Factors: Fed’s dovish outlook amid signs of pe...

Cathie Wood Backs Innovation Stocks to Shine Post-Recession

As recession fears grow from Trump’s tariff war, Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest , urges investors to look beyond short-term pain and focus on disruptive innovators poised to lead in recovery. Why Innovation Wins in a Downturn: “When businesses and consumers are scared, they change the way they operate,” said Wood. That opens doors for companies that help others do things better, cheaper, faster, and smarter — especially with AI and automation leading the way . Top Cathie Wood Picks for a Recession Playbook: Palantir (PLTR) +19.00% AI-powered data analytics for governments and corporations Key asset as firms seek efficiency through AI transformation “Palantir will be a major beneficiary as the C-suite scrambles to get AI-ready.” Tesla (TSLA) +22.69% Down 28% YTD before rebounding sharply Launching $30K EV model , reviving affordability in car buying Robotaxi vision = cheaper Uber-like rides without human ...

Malaysia Welcomes US Tariff Pause, But Eyes Long-Term Trade Strategy

Malaysia has welcomed the US decision to pause its sweeping tariff hikes , but Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed that the volatile policy environment still poses major challenges for ASEAN . What Happened: US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on the planned increase in reciprocal tariffs , keeping a lower 10% tariff in place for now. China is excluded , facing a steep 125% tariff for not cooperating on trade negotiations. Malaysia's Stance: Zafrul described the US decision as welcome , but warned that “significant challenges” remain due to policy uncertainty . He emphasized Malaysia’s role in advocating for balanced and predictable trade through ASEAN. “These latest developments will be discussed at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting I’m chairing today,” he shared. Malaysia's Trade Game Plan: Trade diversification : Exploring new markets while stre...

CUCKOO Malaysia Delays IPO Amid Market Volatility Concerns

CUCKOO International (MAL) Berhad has announced a postponement of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Bursa Malaysia, citing market volatility as the key reason for rescheduling its listing from 30 April to 24 June 2025 . What’s Changed? New listing date: 24 June 2025 IPO application closing date: 5 June 2025 A supplementary prospectus will be issued, and investors who already applied may withdraw during a designated period (details to follow). CEO’s Statement: "As the market presents near-term challenges, we believe that this is a prudent decision," said CEO Hoe Kian Choon . He reiterated CUCKOO’s long-term confidence and commitment to delivering growth across all business segments. Why It Matters: The move reflects uncertainty in Malaysia’s capital market , possibly linked to global tariff tensions and investor caution . CUCKOO aims to ensure a sustainable and successful market...

Malaysia Could Gain Market Share Amid US Tariff Shake-Up — Moody’s

The latest US tariff wave may hurt Asia-Pacific (Apac) overall , but Malaysia and several peers could gain market share through trade triangulation , according to Moody’s Ratings . What Moody’s Says: The new US tariffs are credit negative for Apac , particularly for economies tied closely to China. However, countries with mid-range tariffs (10–30%) — like Malaysia, India, and the Philippines — may benefit as companies reroute trade flows to access the US market. This shift may boost Malaysia’s role in the regional supply chain, particularly in electronics and manufacturing . Key Opportunities: Trade triangulation : Companies may export goods to the US via Malaysia or relocate production to avoid steep China tariffs. Intra-regional investment is expected to grow as companies seek resilience in their supply chains. “Lower-tariff countr...

Malaysian Exporters Hit Pause on US Shipments Amid Tariff Chaos

Uncertainty over new US tariffs has prompted some Malaysian exporters to temporarily halt shipments , particularly in sectors like furniture, petroleum products, and electronics parts . The confusion stems from a lack of clarity on the exact tariff rates and administrative procedures , leaving both exporters and US importers in limbo. Shipments Stalled Furniture exporters say US buyers asked them to hold off until the financial impact is clearer. Petroleum product exporters echoed the same, awaiting customer guidance. Exporters fear goods will be stranded at US ports if tariffs aren't properly processed or paid. “The situation is chaotic. Even US importers don’t know what to pay,” one exporter said. Key Export Numbers: Manufactured goods = 85% of Malaysia’s total exports (RM1.6 trillion in 2025). US exports grew from RM98.8b (2018–2020) to RM159.9b (2021–2023) . Electrical & Electronics (E&E) products make up 60% ...

Apple’s Stock Just Had Its Best Day in 27 Years — But Is the Hype Real?

Apple (AAPL) skyrocketed 15.3% on Wednesday — its biggest single-day gain since 1998 — following President Trump’s tariff pause . But despite the market celebration, analysts caution: Apple’s China risk still looms large . What Sparked the Rally? Trump paused 25% reciprocal tariffs for most countries for 90 days, holding a 10% baseline rate . However, China is excluded — with tariffs on Chinese goods raised to 125% , effective immediately. Relief over avoided tariffs — for now — fueled a broader tech stock surge . Why Apple Still Faces Big Risks: 85%–90% of iPhones are made in China (Wedbush, CFRA estimates). Shifting production is complex and costly, even with some existing operations in India and Vietnam . Higher China tariffs could force Apple to raise prices or take margin hits . “China remains the biggest X variable related to Apple and the broader supply chain,” said Daniel ...

Chip Stocks Are On Fire — Here’s When to Buy the Rally

Semiconductor stocks exploded higher Wednesday , leading a broad market rally after Trump paused reciprocal tariffs for most countries (except China). But investors are now asking: Is it time to buy chip stocks? Market Snapshot: Nasdaq surged 12% after Trump's tariff pause announcement SOXX ETF (Semiconductor Index) jumped 18% , rebounding from a 33% plunge since Feb 19 Chip giants: Nvidia (NVDA): +18.72% Taiwan Semi (TSM): +12.29% Qualcomm (QCOM): +15.19% Amazon (AMZN): +11.98% (on chip/data optimism) Why Chips Are Volatile Chip stocks are highly cyclical — when demand drops, profits fall fast . Production can’t adjust as quickly as customer orders, leading to price pressure and margin declines. When macro fears ease (like with Trump's tariff shift), these same names rebound sharply . 📉 The Buy Signal: Valuation Before the rally, chip valuations were at historic lows , making them attractive. Nvi...

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