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...
GlobalFoundries and Intel Lead Gains
U.S. chipmakers surged Friday after reports that the Trump administration is preparing a new policy to force domestic production to match imports.
GlobalFoundries (GFS): +8.4%
Intel (INTC): +4.4%
Both companies have significant U.S. manufacturing capacity, positioning them to benefit from the proposed rules.
The Proposal: A 1:1 Ratio for Chips
According to the Wall Street Journal, the administration wants U.S. semiconductor firms to produce the same number of chips domestically as customers import from abroad.
Companies unable to match imports with U.S. output would face tariffs.
The policy is seen as an extension of Trump’s earlier plan to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made chips, with exemptions for firms building in the U.S.
Firms would have a grace period to meet quotas while new fabs ramp up.
National Security at the Core
The White House argues the U.S. must reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), which dominates chipmaking but sits at geopolitical risk from China.
“America cannot be reliant on foreign imports for the semiconductor products that are essential for our national and economic security,” said White House spokesperson Kush Desai.
Intel in the Spotlight
Intel has been central to Trump’s semiconductor push:
The U.S. government took a 10% equity stake in Intel last month, investing $8.9 billion.
Intel also secured a $5 billion investment from Nvidia earlier this month.
Talks with Apple and TSMC about possible stakes or partnerships are ongoing.
Despite its manufacturing missteps and market share losses to TSMC, Intel remains one of the few chip firms with large-scale U.S. foundries. However, the company has warned it may exit manufacturing unless it secures major external customers for its 14A process node.
Industry Outlook
Trump’s 1:1 production plan could reshape global supply chains and accelerate U.S. fab expansion.
GlobalFoundries and Intel are immediate winners, given their domestic footprints.
Nvidia, Apple, and TSMC are potential partners — but also at risk if caught between tariffs and shifting U.S. requirements.
Investor takeaway: Washington’s push to “reshore” chipmaking is giving a fresh tailwind to U.S. semiconductor stocks, with Intel emerging as both a key beneficiary and a high-risk turnaround bet.
Comments
Post a Comment