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...
Global markets got a boost Monday after the US and European Union struck a trade agreement, easing fears of a deeper trade war.
The deal imposes a 15% tariff on most EU goods—half the previously threatened rate—and requires Europe to purchase more US energy and military equipment. The EU agreed to avoid retaliatory tariffs, providing businesses with some much-needed clarity.
Market Reaction
European futures: Up more than 1%
S&P 500 futures: +0.5%
Nasdaq futures: +0.6%
Euro: Strengthened against the dollar, sterling, and yen
Oil: Brent and WTI crude both gained 0.5%
Gold: Fell to a near two-week low as demand for safe havens eased
“This is a big win for the US,” said Prashant Newnaha of TD Securities. “Markets see this as stability and predictability returning to trade policy.”
Asia-Pacific Performance
MSCI Asia-Pacific index (ex-Japan): +0.32%, near a 4-year high
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng: +0.5%
Japan’s Nikkei: -1% after last week’s rally
Australian dollar: Hovered near an 8-month high at US$0.657
What’s Next?
US-China talks: Officials meet in Stockholm Monday, with expectations of another 90-day extension to the current tariff truce.
Central banks: Investors are watching the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan meetings this week. Both are expected to keep rates steady, though commentary on the economic outlook will be key.
Why It Matters
The US-EU deal averts a potential 30% tariff threat and stabilizes relations between two trade giants accounting for nearly one-third of global trade. For investors, it reduces uncertainty ahead of a critical week packed with central bank decisions, major earnings from Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, and fresh US jobs data.
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