Wall Street Cheers Despite Tariff Noise
Global investors kicked off the week on a high note:
S&P 500: ▲1.47%
Nasdaq: ▲1.95%
Dow Jones: ▲1.34%
Markets shrugged off weak US jobs data and Trump’s renewed tariff threats on India. The EU also paused retaliatory tariffs after a tentative deal with Washington.
Malaysia Commits $240B in US Trade Deal, Slashes Tariffs
Malaysia secured a reduced US tariff rate of 19%, down from 25%, by committing to over $240B in trade agreements, including big-ticket items like Boeing aircraft and coal.
Why It Matters:
The US was Malaysia’s top export destination in 2024 (RM198.7B).
Lower tariffs align Malaysia with other ASEAN peers.
It also supports FDI inflow, solidifying trade relations.
Bursa Malaysia Dips Despite Regional Optimism
FBM KLCI: ▼0.42% to 1,526.98
Top Gainer: 99SMART ▲2.20%
Top Loser: AXIATA ▼1.86%
USD/MYR: 4.2375
Index Draggers:
Public Bank: -5 sen (▼1.37 pts)
Maybank: -6 sen (▼1.02 pts)
Tenaga: -14 sen (▼1.15 pts)
Losses were mainly from banking and utility counters due to profit-taking.
🚨 Stocks to Watch
- MISC & ARMADA: Merger officially cancelled; FPSO synergies off the table.
- ZETRIX & HTPADU: Clarified collaboration; Zetrix to lead front-end, Heitech the back-end.
- KGB: In talks for a €50M semiconductor project in Germany.
- HIBISCS: Sets bold 2030 oil production target of 70,000 bpd, up from 27,000.
- JPG: MoU signed to modernize Johor’s palm oil sector.
Takeaway
Malaysia’s $240B US trade pivot signals a proactive move to stay globally competitive, especially in light of growing trade friction. While Bursa sees short-term selling, macro tailwinds like tariff relief, FDI potential, and strong corporate projects could shift momentum back in the bulls' favor.
Risks to Watch
US-India & US-China trade tensions
Malaysia’s export dependency amid global volatility
Profit-taking trend in local banks/utilities may continue short-term
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