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...
Won Strengthens, Stocks Hit 4-Year High
South Korean assets outperformed on Wednesday as optimism grew over Seoul’s trade negotiations with the U.S. ahead of the August 1 tariff deadline.
Won: Strengthened 0.7% to 1,378.4 per dollar
Stocks: Seoul’s benchmark index jumped over 1%, nearing a four-year high
Samsung Electronics: Led gains after inking a US$16.5 billion chip-supply deal with Tesla
Momentum built as South Korean officials held talks in Washington, with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol scheduled to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday.
Regional Market Snapshot
Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan: Already secured U.S. trade deals, raising pressure on remaining economies.
Thailand: Rushing to conclude negotiations to avoid tariffs up to 36%.
Indian Rupee: Weakened 0.6% to a four-month low after President Trump hinted at 20%-25% tariffs. The central bank likely intervened to limit losses.
Currencies: Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, and Thai baht traded flat.
Stock Market Performance
Taipei: +1%
Bangkok: +0.3%
Jakarta: -0.6%
Kuala Lumpur: -0.2%
Investor Sentiment
The U.S. dollar strengthened as traders viewed the U.S.-EU trade deal as more symbolic than structural. DBS analysts warned that the impact of high U.S. tariffs on Indian and ASEAN exports may become clearer in the second half of the year.
Markets are now watching central bank meetings, with the Federal Reserve expected to keep rates unchanged and the Bank of Japan likely holding steady as well.
Takeaway for Investors
South Korean assets are showing strong momentum on the back of trade deal progress and major corporate wins like Samsung’s Tesla agreement. However, regional volatility remains high as tariff deadlines approach and currency moves reflect geopolitical uncertainty.
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