KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
Market Snapshot
STI: 4,241.61 (-0.35%)
Volume / Value: 78.17M / S$90.33M
Advancers / Decliners: 58 / 84
Singapore equities opened softer on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street losses overnight as investors brace for Nvidia’s earnings midweek and watch inflation data to gauge the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
Global Highlights
Wall Street Slips Ahead of Nvidia Earnings
Dow Jones: -0.8% to 45,282.47
S&P 500: -0.4% to 6,439.32
Nasdaq: -0.2% to 21,449.29
US stocks eased after Friday’s Fed-fuelled rally, with investors cautious ahead of Nvidia’s Q2 earnings on Wednesday and the Fed’s preferred PCE inflation data on Friday. Powell’s dovish Jackson Hole remarks lifted September rate-cut odds to 86% (CME FedWatch), but sticky inflation could derail expectations.
Trump Removes Fed Governor Cook
In a move rattling markets, President Donald Trump dismissed Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing alleged mortgage fraud. The unprecedented dismissal raises questions over the Fed’s independence, as Cook’s term was set to run until 2038. Analysts warn the action could reshape Fed dynamics and increase political risk premiums in US assets.
Singapore Macro
Core Inflation Misses Forecasts
Core CPI (July): +0.5% YoY (vs est. 0.6%)
Headline CPI (July): +0.6% YoY, -0.4% MoM
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and MTI left their 2025 inflation forecast at 0.5–1.5%, citing risks from global demand weakness and geopolitics. Food inflation (+1.1%) edged higher, while accommodation and services costs eased. Economists broadly expect MAS to hold policy in October, though softer data keeps the door open to further easing.
Stocks to Watch
Frasers Cpt Tr (J69U.SG) – Subsidiary Lion (Singapore) agreed to acquire 10 strata lots in Yishun 10 for S$34.5m, completing full ownership of the retail complex after its prior S$48m Golden Village cinema purchase.
Thomson Medical (A50.SG) +26.5% – Unveiled a RM18b Johor Bay mega-project spanning 10.5 hectares, featuring a hospital, aged-care facilities, residences, a hotel, and commercial precincts. Seen as a play on medical tourism and regional healthcare demand.
MarcoPolo Marine (5LY.SG) -1.5% – Indirect unit PKR Offshore to seek a Taiwan Stock Exchange listing by late 2026. Proceeds will fund expansion of offshore wind vessels, including service operation ships for crew and equipment support.
Key Takeaway:
Singapore inflation undershot expectations, reinforcing a benign price outlook and easing pressure on MAS. Markets remain laser-focused on Nvidia’s earnings and US inflation data, while Trump’s surprise Fed move injects fresh policy risk into global markets.
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