KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) erased earlier gains to close marginally lower on Tuesday as mild bargain hunting activities were offset by cautious mode over ongoing global uncertainties. At 5 pm, the benchmark index slipped 0.24 of-a-point, or 0.02 per cent, to 1,443.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,443.80. The benchmark index opened 7.63 points firmer at 1,451.43 and climbed to as high as 1,454.58 in early trade before retreating to a low of 1,440.89 towards the end of the morning trading session. It then moved in a yo-yo mode during the afternoon session. In contrast, the broader market was positive with gainers outpacing decliners 669 to 367, while 419 counters were unchanged, 894 counters untraded, and nine others suspended. Turnover dwindled to 3.32 billion units valued at RM2.83 billion against 5.35 billion units valued at RM4.67 billion on Monday.
Market Overview
Malaysia's FBM KLCI index fell 0.7% to 1508.14 in early trade Thursday, tracking sharp declines on Wall Street following President Trump’s aggressive new tariff announcements.
Key Support Level: Analysts at Apex Securities expect the index to test the 1,500 level, with near-term downside cushioned by ongoing trade ministry talks with U.S. officials over Malaysia’s newly imposed 24% reciprocal tariff.
Sector Rotation: Investors Turn Defensive
Apex Securities recommends a defensive allocation amid global trade uncertainty and ahead of today’s U.S. jobs report and a speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Sectors in Focus:
Healthcare
REITs
Utilities
Logistics
Notable Movers
| Gainer | Change | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| IHH Healthcare (IHH) | +0.7% | Healthcare |
| Shangri-La Hotels (SDG) | +0.2% | REIT/Hospitality |
| Decliner | Change | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Axiata (AXIATA) | –2.2% | Telecommunications |
| Maxis (MAXIS) | –2.1% | Telecommunications |
Investor Watchlist
April 5: Start of U.S. 10% baseline tariffs
April 9: Malaysia’s 24% U.S. export tariff takes effect
Later Today: U.S. nonfarm payrolls + Fed Chair Powell speech
Medium-Term: Potential revisions to tariffs through bilateral negotiations
Bottom Line:
With Malaysia now directly impacted by U.S. trade actions, near-term market sentiment hinges on developments in Washington. For now, investors are treading cautiously and pivoting to safer sectors.
Let me know if you’d like a visual chart of Malaysia's most exposed export sectors or a model REITs/defensive portfolio allocation for Q2.
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