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...
Singapore’s central bank kept its monetary policy unchanged on Wednesday after second-quarter growth came in stronger than expected and trade tensions eased. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) maintained the current rate of appreciation for its exchange rate policy band, leaving its width and mid-point unchanged.
The decision split analysts, with half expecting a policy hold and half forecasting a further easing. MAS said the risk of a sharp global slowdown had eased following recent U.S. trade deals with Europe and Japan, and more stable financial conditions since April.
Instead of interest rates, Singapore manages policy by allowing the Singapore dollar to move within a set band against a basket of trading partner currencies.
Economists said MAS is keeping room to act later if needed. “Tariffs could have mixed effects — lowering Chinese export prices but raising costs from supply chain shifts,” said OCBC economist Selena Ling.
The Singapore economy grew 1.4% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, avoiding a technical recession as exporters rushed shipments ahead of U.S. tariffs. Authorities warned growth may slow in the second half as frontloading fades.
Core inflation fell to 0.6% YoY in June, down sharply from its 2023 peak of 5.5%. Maybank economist Chua Hak Bin expects 2025 GDP to reach 3.2%, above the government’s forecast, and anticipates an upgrade when final Q2 figures are released in August.
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