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...
Intel Explores Strategic Partnerships
Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) shares surged more than 6% on Wednesday after reports surfaced that the company has approached Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) about a potential investment. According to Reuters, discussions have also touched on expanding collaboration, though the talks remain preliminary and may not lead to a formal deal. Neither company has issued public comment.
Reviving Competitiveness in AI
The move comes as Intel seeks to regain ground in the fast-growing artificial intelligence chip market, where it has lagged behind Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan has been pursuing strategic partnerships and fresh capital to support Intel’s turnaround.
Just last week, Nvidia disclosed a $5 billion investment for a roughly 4% stake in Intel, while SoftBank has also taken a position. In addition, the US government secured an equity stake through a White House-brokered arrangement aimed at bolstering domestic chipmaking.
Calls for Structural Overhaul
Despite the recent capital inflows, Intel continues to face pressure from former insiders. A group of four ex-board members recently argued in Fortune that Intel should consider going private, separating its chip design and manufacturing operations, and freeing itself from quarterly earnings constraints.
“Hope is not a strategy,” the group wrote, stressing that bolder restructuring is needed to restore Intel’s competitiveness against global rivals such as TSMC.
Market Reaction
Intel shares closed Wednesday at $31.22, up 6.41%, while Apple and Nvidia slipped modestly.
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