KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the US will announce the results of its semiconductor import investigation in two weeks, a move that could trigger sweeping tariffs on foreign chipmakers to drive US-based manufacturing.
The probe, conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, reviews national security risks tied to America’s reliance on overseas chips, particularly from Taiwan.
Why It Matters
A ruling could impose new tariffs on global semiconductor imports unless companies expand production in the US.
President Donald Trump said some foreign firms are already planning US investments to avoid potential penalties.
The probe is part of a broader trade strategy reshaping global supply chains.
Key Companies Impacted
Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics could face pressure to ramp up US production.
US tech giants Apple, NVIDIA, and Tesla, all reliant on overseas chips, may also be affected.
Lutnick noted that concerns over the investigation were a “key reason” the EU pushed to strike a broader trade deal with the US over the weekend.
The outcome could mark another major shift for the global semiconductor industry, impacting pricing, supply chains, and investment strategies worldwide.
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