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...
Asian stocks traded cautiously on Wednesday as investors weighed the lack of progress in U.S.-China trade talks and awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement.
MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 0.3%, supported by gains in Taiwan. Australia’s ASX 200 added 0.7%, while Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.03% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.4%. The euro edged up 0.2% from a one-month low after the EU’s trade deal with the U.S.
Markets Eye Fed and Tariffs
The Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged later Wednesday, though some officials are signalling support for future cuts as tariffs add uncertainty. U.S. 10-year Treasury yields fell to 4.328%, the lowest since July 3, while two-year yields held near 3.87%.
President Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline looms, with U.S.-China talks ending without major breakthroughs. Both sides agreed to seek an extension of their 90-day truce, while Trump will decide whether to let tariffs jump as high as triple digits after August 12.
India is bracing for potential 20–25% U.S. tariffs on some exports, while South Korea held last-minute talks with U.S. officials to avert new levies.
Central Banks and Earnings in Focus
The Bank of Japan is expected to keep policy unchanged on Thursday, with attention on its guidance for future rate hikes. Singapore’s central bank maintained its monetary stance after stronger Q2 growth, boosting the Singapore dollar by 0.2%.
In the U.S., all eyes are on Microsoft and Meta, set to report earnings later Wednesday. “These megacap names need to deliver strong results to keep the momentum going,” said Chris Weston of Pepperstone.
Commodities
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude up 0.19% to US$72.65, amid concerns over supply disruptions following U.S. pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.
With trade deadlines, central bank meetings, and big tech earnings ahead, markets remain cautious as August approaches.
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