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.
Global Market Snapshot
Wall Street Slips on Trade Jitters
S&P 500: 6,259.75 (-0.33%)
Dow Jones: 44,371.51 (-0.63%)
Nasdaq: 20,585.53 (-0.22%)
US futures fell after Trump threatened new tariffs on EU and Mexico. Markets are pricing in a risk-off sentiment ahead of this week’s US inflation report and Q2 earnings.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit a record high of $119,487, up 27% YTD.
Malaysia Market Highlights
KLCI: 1,536.52 (+0.48%)
USD/MYR: 4.2520 (+0.07%)
Top Gainer: GAMUDA (+2.62%)
Top Loser: IOICORP (-1.28%)
Malaysia’s stock market ended flat for the week, with the KLCI shedding 0.91% overall. Despite a mild rebound Friday, foreign investors remain cautious amid:
Slower GDP growth outlook
RM2.7 billion foreign outflows YTD
Tariff concerns hitting AI & export-oriented counters
Analysts are now revising down KLCI targets as AI euphoria fades and trade risks escalate.
Sector Focus
AI Losing Steam
Malaysia’s 2024 AI rally is stalling. Fears over US export controls on AI chips are dragging down formerly hot stocks, reversing foreign inflows.
Palm Oil Under Pressure
Exports fell 11% in June
Inventories rose to 2.03m tonnes
Indonesia’s land seizures now impact major Malaysian firms (e.g. SDG, KLK, IOICORP, Genting Plantations)
Regulatory risk and weaker export demand could weigh on sector earnings in 2H 2025.
Stocks to Watch Today
| Ticker | News |
|---|---|
| AFFIN (5185.MY) | Upgraded to AA ESG rating by MSCI |
| HLBANK (5819.MY) | Adjusting rates +25bps starting today |
| BTM (7188.MY) | Cancels renewable energy project due to funding issues |
| JASKITA (8648.MY) | 40.3% stake sold to Kintan Prima at RM68.9m |
| MBRIGHT (2097.MY) | Exits Australia via RM25.4m sale |
| HEXTAR (5151.MY) | Acquires 41.8 acres in Melaka for RM40m |
| MRCB (1651.MY) | JV for Ipoh Sentral development |
| ECONBHD (5253.MY) | Bags RM98.2m construction job in Klang |
| SKYGATE (7249.MY) | Raises stake in subsidiary to 95% |
Investor Insight
Sentiment Check:
Malaysia’s IPO momentum and infrastructure plays (e.g. MRCB, ECONBHD) provide some support, but macro headwinds from global tariffs, regulatory actions, and foreign capital outflows remain key themes.
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