KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
The U.S. and European Union are making progress toward a new trade deal, thanks in part to the recent U.S.-Japan agreement announced by President Trump. European diplomats revealed that the proposed deal could include a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods—significantly lower than the threatened 30% rate set to take effect on August 1.
This follows Trump’s announcement of a landmark deal with Japan, which includes:
US$550 billion in investments and loans from Japan
A pledge to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft
Expanded imports of U.S. agricultural goods
A cut in auto tariffs from 27.5% to 15%
These developments raised hopes that similar tariff relief could be extended to EU car exports, boosting European auto stocks.
What’s in Play for the EU Deal?
Exemptions are being considered for aircraft, lumber, medicines, and some agricultural goods.
The current 50% U.S. tariff on steel will likely stay in place.
The European Commission is preparing €93 billion in counter-tariffs if no agreement is reached.
The EU is standing firm, with wide support among member states for retaliatory measures if necessary.
Investment Angle:
Markets are reacting to the possibility of reduced trade tensions:
Asian and European equities rallied, led by auto and industrial sectors.
U.S. stocks lagged, held back by disappointing earnings and lingering uncertainty over trade policy.
American manufacturers—from semiconductors to steel—reported weak Q2 results, citing rising costs and disrupted supply chains.
Auto industry leaders in the U.S. are skeptical. They argue the Japan deal unfairly benefits Japanese imports over North American-built vehicles with high U.S. content.
"This kind of deal could hurt U.S. auto workers," said Matt Blunt, head of the American Automotive Policy Council.
Forward Watch:
EU-U.S. trade talks continue, with both sides aiming to finalize a deal before August 1.
U.S.-China negotiations are also scheduled in Stockholm next week ahead of the August 12 deadline.
Trump has made it clear: tariff relief will only come in exchange for market access.
Investor Takeaway:
This is a critical window for global trade diplomacy. If the U.S. strikes deals with both the EU and China, it could stabilize markets, benefit industrial and auto sectors, and restore confidence among investors and corporations. However, political risks and unresolved tensions still cast a shadow.
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