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...
Foreign investors showed renewed interest in Malaysia’s transport sector last week, pumping RM162 million into Westports Holdings (WPRTS), even as overall foreign money continued to leave the market. Local retail investors, meanwhile, leaned heavily towards Sunway Construction (SUNCON), adding RM55.8 million to the stock.
Key Flows
Foreign Net Inflow: RM162m into WPRTS; RM94.7m into Tenaga; RM75.3m into Gamuda.
Foreign Exits: RM46.4m out of Zetrix; RM44.8m out of KPJ Healthcare; RM40.9m out of Public Bank.
Retail Favorites: RM55.8m into SUNCON; RM44.9m into Maybank.
Institutional Buys: RM48m into KPJ Healthcare; RM39.3m into Alliance Bank (ABMB).
Market Context
Foreign Outflow: RM89.9m overall last week (smaller than the RM206.1m the week before).
Local Retail: Third consecutive week of net buying at RM105.4m.
Institutions: Net sellers at -RM15.5m.
Sector Moves: Foreigners piled into Transport & Logistics (+RM158.7m) but dumped Financials (-RM174.1m).
Global Backdrop
Tariffs: The US-Japan trade deal cutting auto tariffs to 15% fueled a Nikkei rally (+4.11%).
US Data: Services PMI hit 55.2 while manufacturing slumped to 49.5, stoking stagflation worries.
Regional Flows: South Korea and Thailand saw strong inflows on semiconductor exports and stimulus hopes, while India and Indonesia faced outflows.
Takeaway
Foreigners are cautiously targeting Malaysia’s transport and utility plays while retreating from tech and financials amid global tariff uncertainty. Local retailers are betting on construction momentum with SUNCON leading the charge, signaling diverging risk appetites between domestic and foreign investors.
Risks Ahead:
US tariff deadlines (Aug 1) that could hit exporters.
Malaysia’s low CPI (+1.1% YoY) may prompt policy adjustments.
Rising Thailand-Cambodia tensions could impact regional sentimen
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