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...
The S&P 500 has been climbing to record highs, but this week could decide if the rally keeps going. Four of the world’s biggest tech companies – Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon – are reporting earnings, and together they’re worth a massive US$11.3 trillion.
Their results matter because these companies make up one-fifth of the S&P 500 index. If they perform well and give strong forecasts, the market could keep rising. If they disappoint, the rally may stall.
So far, this earnings season has been strong, with about 82% of S&P 500 companies beating profit estimates. But with high expectations and ongoing worries about tariffs and consumer spending, all eyes are now on Big Tech.
Another key focus is AI investment. Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet are spending over US$317 billion this year on AI infrastructure. Investors now want to see actual returns, not just promises of future growth.
Bottom line: This week’s earnings from Big Tech will set the tone for the market. Strong results could keep the S&P 500 rally alive. Weak numbers might slam the brakes.
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