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...
Analysts Expect Another Beat
Microsoft (MSFT) is set to report its fourth-quarter results Wednesday after market close, with Wall Street expecting $73.8 billion in revenue and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.37, both higher than last year’s results. The tech giant has beaten revenue estimates for nine straight quarters and EPS estimates for 11 consecutive quarters.
AI and Cloud Driving Growth
Investors will watch closely how Microsoft is monetizing its AI investments and expanding its cloud services, especially Azure, which saw 21% YoY growth in Q3. CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized AI and cloud as “essential inputs for every business to expand output, reduce costs, and accelerate growth.”
Wedbush’s Dan Ives maintained an Outperform rating and a $600 price target, calling Microsoft a “core AI winner.” He believes the $600 target could be conservative and predicts Microsoft could reach a $5 trillion market cap within 18 months.
Street Sentiment Remains Bullish
Raymond James: Outperform, PT $570
Stifel: Buy, PT $550
Evercore ISI: Outperform, PT $545
Loop Capital: Buy, PT $600
UBS: Buy, PT $600
Shares are up 22.8% YTD, outperforming the S&P 500 (+8.8%) and Dow Jones (+5.3%).
Key Watch Points
AI and Azure growth trajectory
Updates on the recent cybersecurity investigation
Forward guidance for FY2026 and AI monetization roadmap
Investor Takeaway
Microsoft’s results could set the tone for Big Tech earnings and broader market sentiment. With AI and cloud demand accelerating and the stock near record highs, investors are watching to see if the tech giant can deliver a 10th consecutive revenue beat and keep its momentum as one of the market’s strongest performers.
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