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.
Malaysia has cautiously welcomed the US pause on reciprocal tariffs, but Trade and Investment Minister Tengku Zafrul warns that ASEAN economies remain under pressure from the unpredictability of US trade policy.
What Happened:
President Donald Trump’s decision to delay higher tariffs on some trading partners offered temporary relief.
However, the escalation of the US-China trade dispute continues to fuel global market volatility.
Malaysia’s Response:
“Nothing is certain but uncertainty,” said Minister Tengku Zafrul, summing up the current US trade environment.
The issue will be a key agenda item at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting, chaired by Malaysia.
Malaysia is committed to ASEAN unity in dealing with external trade shocks and seeks balanced, predictable trade policies.
Strategic Moves by Malaysia:
Trade diversification: Exploring new markets and deepening existing ties
Economic reforms: Pushing forward with policies to boost national competitiveness
Open engagement: Staying a reliable partner to both the US and China, advocating for mutually beneficial trade
The Bigger Picture:
ASEAN nations face growing pressure to respond collectively as US policies shift rapidly.
Malaysia emphasizes regional resilience, integration, and collaboration, calling for shared values in trade partnerships.
The tariff pause is a relief, but US trade unpredictability remains a key challenge for ASEAN. Malaysia is taking proactive steps to stay resilient and keep its economy competitive and connected to the global market.
Comments
Post a Comment