Key Takeaways Renewed US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude briefly above US$80 , reigniting concerns over global energy supplies. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street avoided a sharp sell-off , suggesting investors believe the conflict remains manageable for now. Higher oil prices have revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike , as markets worry about renewed inflation. Technology stocks remained relatively resilient , showing that AI continues to provide underlying support for equities. The next move in oil prices could determine whether market volatility returns. Market Insight When news broke that the US had launched fresh strikes on Iran , investors immediately rushed into the oil market. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$80 a barrel , as fears grew that escalating tensions could disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Yet the reaction in equities was far more measured. Although the S...
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.