KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
Asian stocks opened lower on Wednesday, following fresh signs that the Federal Reserve might delay cutting interest rates, while new US tariff threats added pressure to global market sentiment.
Key Market Movements
MSCI Asia Index down 0.4%
Japan’s Topix down 0.4%
Australia’s ASX 200 dropped 1%
S&P 500 Futures down 0.3%
Hang Seng Futures slightly up 0.4%
Why the Drop?
1. Mixed US Inflation Data
Core US inflation (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2% in June, in line with expectations. While some prices (like cars) fell, categories hit by Trump’s new tariffs—like toys and appliances—saw big price jumps.
→ This raised concerns that tariffs could temporarily lift inflation, making the Fed more cautious.
2. Fed Rate Cuts in Doubt
Federal Reserve officials, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, hinted that the Fed may hold off on rate cuts for now. The market had hoped for a cut in September, but that now looks less than 50% likely.
→ JPMorgan now expects the first rate cut only in December.
3. Trump’s Trade Moves
President Trump confirmed:
A new 19% tariff deal with Indonesia.
Potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors as early as August 1.
- More "reciprocal" tariffs are likely if deals with India and others don’t materialize.→ New tariffs could raise costs for U.S. companies and consumers, especially on imported tech and medicine.
What This Means for Investors
Equity investors should expect more volatility as rate-cut expectations weaken and trade risks rise.
Bond yields are ticking higher — US 10-year yield rose to 4.49%, and Japan’s 10-year yield is at its highest since 2008 (1.59%).
The yen remains weak at 148.88/USD, and the dollar is steady, showing investor preference for safe-haven currencies.
Crypto and Commodities
Bitcoin climbed 1% to $117,573, and Ether surged 3% to $3,131 — showing crypto resilience amid macro uncertainty.
Oil (WTI) rose 0.4% to $66.81.
Gold is holding firm at $3,330.44/oz, reflecting some risk-off flows.
Key Takeaway
The path to lower rates looks longer and bumpier.
Tariff risk is back on the table — especially for tech and healthcare stocks.
Focus on defensive sectors, high-quality bonds, and cash-flow resilient names as markets adjust expectations.
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