KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close higher on Wednesday on selective buying of defensive stocks after a volatile trading session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said consumer products and services stocks lifted the key index higher, overcoming lingering geopolitical concerns. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.08 points to 1,715.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,712.48. The benchmark index, which opened 1.91 points higher at 1,714.39, moved between 1,710.79 and 1,720.59 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, gainers outstripped decliners 550 to 476, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,129 untraded, and 48 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.48 billion from 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion on Tuesday.
Markets love clarity — even if it’s temporary.
Asian equities opened the midweek session in green territory, led by a 1.7% surge in Japan’s Nikkei, after US President Donald Trump unveiled a fresh trade deal with Japan. The news, laced with promises of US$550 billion in Japanese investments and a 15% reciprocal tariff, injected optimism into a market hungry for relief from policy uncertainty.
Auto stocks stole the show:
Mazda: +12%
Toyota: +10%
Meanwhile, MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan nudged higher (+0.2%), with strength seen in Australia and South Korea.
Why It Matters for Investors:
While markets cheered the “deal,” veteran economist Norihiro Yamaguchi reminded us: the devil’s in the (missing) details.
“Lowered uncertainty is welcomed in equities, but it offers little upside to the real economy for now.”
So, is this a short-term sugar high or a genuine shift?
Here’s What We’re Watching:
More deals in the pipeline: EU reps are reportedly heading to Washington next.
China talks resume next week in Stockholm — key ahead of the Aug 12 deadline.
Trump’s tariff diplomacy continues to shape earnings season — just ask GM, which tumbled -8.1% after revealing a US$1B hit from tariffs.
Nasdaq and S&P futures are in the green, hinting at broader global spillover.
FX & Bonds Pulse:
Yen flat after initial strength.
Dollar Index holding steady after 3 days of declines.
10Y UST yield ticking up to 4.36% as Trump applies more heat on Fed Chair Powell (again).
Money Master's Take:
Markets are rallying on hope, not facts — and that’s a dangerous game in the long term. If you're trading the Asia rebound, enjoy the ride but tighten your stops. If you're investing, this is a wait-and-see macro backdrop. Real deals need real terms.
Stay nimble. Watch earnings. Trade headlines — not hype.
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