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...
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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