KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
August is shaping up to be a critical month for financial markets, with major policy decisions, economic data releases, and key earnings reports on the calendar. Investors should prepare for potential volatility across equities and other asset classes.
August 1: Tariff Deadline and Jobs Report
The month begins with President Trump’s tariff deadline and the release of July’s jobs data. Any escalation in trade tensions or a weak employment report could increase expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, while stronger numbers may reinforce the current “higher for longer” stance.
Big Tech Earnings
August 4: Palantir (PLTR) – Insight into enterprise AI and government spending trends.
August 5: AMD and Super Micro (SMCI) – Investors are watching for strong AI-related guidance to justify valuations.
August 12: Circle (CRCL) – A focus point amid rising stablecoin regulation.
August 27: NVIDIA (NVDA) – One of the most anticipated earnings reports of the month as AI demand remains in the spotlight.
Inflation and Retail Data
August 12 and 14: Producer Price Index (PPI)
- August 15: Retail SalesThese indicators will shape expectations ahead of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes on August 20. Cooling inflation or weaker consumer spending could support the case for easing, while persistent inflation may keep the Fed cautious.
August 21–23: Jackson Hole Symposium
The annual economic policy meeting is closely watched for signals from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Any indication of flexibility could boost equities, while a firm stance on inflation may put pressure on risk assets.
August 29: Core PCE
The release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge will be the final key data point before the pre-meeting blackout period, potentially influencing expectations for the next policy decision.
Bottom Line:
With tariff deadlines, labor data, inflation reports, and high-profile tech earnings converging, August could be a defining month for U.S. markets and global investor sentiment.
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