KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.
Tech-led rally breaks three-day losing streak amid optimism over US trade negotiations
Hong Kong stocks staged a modest comeback on Tuesday, ending a three-day slide as investors reacted positively to signals of flexibility in US trade policy. The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.3% to 23,960.03, buoyed by tech heavyweights after the US delayed new tariffs on 14 countries, sparking hopes for softer terms ahead.
The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.5%, supported by strong performances from key names:
Baidu +2.6% to HK$88.05
Kuaishou +2.4% to HK$64.55
Xiaomi +1.7% to HK$58.20
Tencent +0.2% to HK$503.00
Market Catalyst:
President Trump announced that 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea will only take effect on August 1, giving room for additional talks. This triggered optimism that similar flexibility could apply to other trade partners like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos, who are facing tariff rates of 25%–40%.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent further boosted sentiment, revealing in a CNBC interview that high-level talks with China are expected in the coming weeks.
Regional Snapshot:
Japan’s Nikkei 225: +0.3%
South Korea’s Kospi: +0.8%
Australia’s ASX 200: -0.1%
Investor Insight:
Today’s gains reflect short-term relief, but trade policy remains a moving target. The tech sector may continue to ride sentiment swings, while mid-term positioning should consider geopolitical risk and earnings resilience.
Watchlist: Tech stocks with solid China exposure and diversified revenue streams are best placed to weather volatility.
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