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.
S&P Global Ratings has given a vote of confidence to President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, affirming the US’s AA+ long-term credit rating with a stable outlook. The agency said tariff revenues are helping offset the fiscal impact of Trump’s tax and spending cuts, providing some relief to the nation’s balance sheet.
Key Points from S&P
Tariff revenues are rising: US customs duties hit a record US$28 billion in July, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent now projects 2025 tariff receipts could exceed 1% of GDP.
Fiscal position stable: While government debt is expected to surpass 100% of GDP in the next three years, S&P believes the deficit will average 6% of GDP from 2025–2028, down from 7.5% in 2024.
Stable outlook: S&P does not expect US fiscal health to improve dramatically, but it also doesn’t expect persistent deterioration in the near term.
Market Reaction
Bond yields: The 30-year Treasury yield edged up to 4.94%, while the 10-year yield rose to 4.34%, showing little immediate market disruption.
US dollar: Analysts say the S&P decision could support the greenback, but the real test will come from the Fed minutes and Powell’s Jackson Hole speech later this week.
The Contradiction in Trump’s Strategy
Economists remain divided. Tariffs generate revenue from imports, but Trump is also pushing Americans to “Buy American” and reshore production. If successful, that could reduce imports — and tariff income — over time.
Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates Trump’s tax-and-spending package will add US$3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, raising questions about the long-term fiscal outlook.
Why It Matters for Investors
Credit Stability: S&P’s affirmation signals no immediate downgrade risk, a relief for bondholders.
Treasury Yields: With 30-year yields hovering near 5%, the debt market remains sensitive to tariff and fiscal headlines.
Currency Impact: Dollar stability could get a short-term lift, but Fed policy remains the bigger driver.
Equity Watch: Tariffs may support government revenue but still pressure import-heavy sectors and global supply chains.
Bottom Line: S&P’s backing of Trump’s tariffs gives Washington some fiscal breathing room and keeps the US at AA+, but long-term debt concerns remain. For investors, watch the bond market, the dollar, and Powell’s Jackson Hole speech for the next big moves.
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