KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...
As the US under President Donald Trump tightens border control and immigration policies, effectively closing its doors to foreign tourists, China is doing the opposite — opening up at an unprecedented scale to attract international visitors.
Key Developments:
By July 16, China will offer visa-free entry to 75 countries, a major move to stimulate tourism and business travel.
In 2024, over 20 million foreigners entered China visa-free, double the number from 2023.
Shanghai alone recorded 2.6 million overseas visits in 1H2025 — nearly half were visa-free and marked a 45% YoY increase.
Strategic Implications:
China’s tourism and consumer sectors may benefit from stronger inbound flows, supporting retail, hospitality, and transport stocks.
The move signals China’s pivot to soft power and economic diplomacy, reinforcing its role as a global travel and business hub.
Meanwhile, the US isolationist stance may weigh on sectors reliant on foreign talent, students, and tourism.
Investor Takeaway:
Watch for potential upside in Chinese travel and consumer discretionary stocks.
Companies with exposure to inbound tourism (e.g. JD.com, China Tourism Group Duty Free, Trip.com) may see a boost.
Geopolitical divergence offers regional investment opportunities in Asia as the US retreats.
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