KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
Momentum Accelerates
Toyota Motor Corp. posted its third consecutive monthly sales record in May, clocking in 955,532 vehicles sold globally, an 8% jump from a year ago. Production also held strong at 906,984 units.
The surge was driven by robust hybrid vehicle demand across key markets:
North America: +11%
Japan: +4%
China: +7%
A Price Hike Ahead
Toyota plans to raise US vehicle prices by over $200 starting next month, aligning with competitors like Mitsubishi Motors — a move that reflects both rising costs and the looming tariff impact from the U.S.-China trade war.
The Tariff Shock
While sales remain strong, Japanese automakers are bracing for a significant blow:
Toyota expects a ¥180 billion ($1.2B) loss from tariffs just for April-May.
Nissan and Honda are forecasting $3B hits.
Mazda and Subaru have withheld profit guidance amid uncertainty.
Investor Insight: Can Toyota Maintain Its Lead?
Despite geopolitical headwinds, Toyota’s strong hybrid portfolio is shielding it — for now. But rising costs and tariff shocks may compress margins moving forward.
Key Metrics to Watch:
How much pricing power does Toyota retain in the U.S.?
Will hybrid momentum hold if tariffs erode profitability?
Can trade negotiators strike a deal before auto pain deepens?
MoneyMaster Take:
Toyota’s resilience through tough trade conditions is impressive — and Chairman Akio Toyoda’s 97% shareholder approval underscores investor confidence. But the next quarter will test how well the automaker can navigate external shocks without losing market share or earnings power.
Our Move:
Investors with exposure to auto stocks should closely watch tariff negotiations and production shifts. Toyota remains a steady long-term player — but prepare for potential turbulence in H2 2025.
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