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...
Japanese equities opened higher Monday after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) unveiled a long-term, gradual plan to reduce its massive exchange-traded fund (ETF) holdings.
Market Snapshot
Nikkei 225: +147.97 points (+0.32%) to 45,193.77 at open.
BOJ plan: Reduce ETF holdings by ~620 billion yen (market value) annually.
Impact: Removes a key market overhang that had weighed on sentiment.
Context
The BOJ’s gradual pace signals a careful approach to avoid destabilizing markets.
Investors see the move as reducing uncertainty while keeping liquidity intact.
Meanwhile in the US, tech companies face challenges after Trump proposed a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, shaking an industry reliant on global talent.
Key Takeaway
The BOJ’s slow-and-steady unwind reassured markets, lifting Japanese equities. The Nikkei 225 gained at the open, supported by easing concerns about the central bank’s heavy ETF footprint.
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