KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
Gold prices remained steady in early Asian trading Monday as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of two major macro events — U.S. trade developments and the European Central Bank’s (ECB) policy meeting.
Gold Price Snapshot
Spot gold: Up 0.1% to $3,353.81/oz
U.S. gold futures: Flat at $3,360.50/oz
Despite geopolitical tension and macro uncertainties, price action was limited as traders awaited clarity on both the U.S.-EU trade front and the next policy signal from central banks.
What’s Driving Sentiment?
- Trade Talks in FocusU.S. President Donald Trump’s Aug 1 tariff deadline is drawing closer.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remains hopeful that a deal with the European Union can be reached in time — but markets are cautious.
- ECB Policy OutlookThe ECB is expected to pause rate cuts this week and hold at 2.0%, as policymakers adopt a wait-and-see approach amid tariff risks and inflation volatility.
- U.S. Fed Policy SpeculationFed Governor Christopher Waller reiterated his support for a rate cut next week, diverging from other Fed officials who prefer to hold steady and reassess.
Lower rates typically boost gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like bullion.
Regional & Market Update
In Japan, the ruling coalition lost control of the upper house, creating political instability ahead of trade deadlines.
The yen strengthened, and Asian equities held steady, suggesting the risk was mostly priced in.
- Meanwhile, gold demand in India — a key physical market — was subdued due to near-record prices.Indian dealers deepened discounts to attract buyers, but high prices also dampened interest across other Asian markets.
Other Precious Metals
Silver: +0.2% to $38.24/oz
Platinum: +0.4% to $1,427.05/oz
Palladium: +0.6% to $1,248.50/oz
These metals continue to track investor sentiment and expectations of monetary easing — especially in auto and industrial sectors.
Money Master Takeaway
Gold remains range-bound, with traders waiting for clearer signals from:
U.S.-EU tariff negotiations
ECB and Fed rate direction
Global risk appetite and inflation trends
Until then, the yellow metal continues to act as a defensive hold, especially in an environment where policy divergenceis increasing and physical demand remains weak.
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