KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Malaysia’s economic outlook, projecting 4.5% GDP growth in 2025, up 0.4 percentage points from its April estimate. For 2026, growth is now forecast at 4.0%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points, according to its latest World Economic Outlook report.
Bank Negara Malaysia recently revised its 2025 forecast to 4.0%–4.8%, citing global economic uncertainties and potential tariff impacts. The central bank noted that Malaysia’s growth trajectory remains highly dependent on external conditions.
Globally, the IMF now expects 3.0% growth in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, supported by better financial conditions, front-loaded demand ahead of tariffs, and fiscal expansion in major economies.
While the IMF anticipates global inflation to decline, it warned that U.S. inflation is likely to stay above target. It also highlighted ongoing risks from tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty, stressing that restoring confidence and stability remains a critical policy priority.
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