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...
Cautious Gains Across Asia
Asian shares moved higher on Tuesday while gold climbed to another record, as investors weighed the growing risk of a US government shutdown that could delay key economic data.
The MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index rose 0.5%, putting it on track for a 5.6% monthly gain — its best in a year. Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.3%, extending a three-day decline, while traders looked ahead to political developments at home.
China’s PMI remained in contraction at 49.8 in September, signaling continued weakness in manufacturing, though slightly better than August’s 49.4 reading.
Shutdown Clouds Fed Outlook
US Vice President JD Vance warned that the government appeared “headed to a shutdown” as talks between President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders stalled.
A closure would halt the release of this week’s crucial employment report, leaving only partial indicators such as the JOLTS job openings data due later Tuesday. Analysts expect August openings to hold steady near 7.18 million.
“The most immediate implication is the payrolls report could be delayed, leaving the Fed without a key input,” said Kyle Rodda, analyst at Capital.com. The Federal Reserve meets on Oct 29, with markets still betting on rate cuts.
Currency and Commodity Moves
In FX markets, the dollar steadied at ¥148.62 after Monday’s 0.6% slide. The euro held at US$1.1723, while the Australian dollar firmed 0.2% to US$0.6587 ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy decision, where rates are expected to remain on hold.
Gold benefited from safe-haven flows, hitting an all-time high of US$3,843.49 an ounce.
Oil prices, however, extended losses as traders braced for an Opec+ production increase and the resumption of exports from Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Brent crude fell 0.6% to US$67.51, while US crude slipped 0.6% to US$63.07.
European Futures Soft
Ahead of the European open, futures pointed to a softer session:
Euro Stoxx 50 down 0.11% at 5,524
DAX futures down 0.07% at 23,890
FTSE futures down 0.06% at 9,355
With the US shutdown deadline approaching and tariffs on trucks, patented drugs, and furniture set to take effect in October, markets remain on alert for renewed volatility.
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