KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed higher today on bargain hunting, in line with positive investor sentiment across regional markets, consolidating at its highest level in more than two months — a level last seen on Oct 2, 2025. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 12.42 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 1,637.81, compared with Thursday’s close of 1,625.39. The benchmark index opened 2.83 points lower at 1,622.56, thereafter edged down to an early low of 1,622.03, before staging an uptrend to an intraday high of 1,640.36 in late trading. Market breadth was positive, with gainers trouncing decliners at 743 versus 387. Another 530 counters were unchanged, 1,108 untraded, and 16 suspended. Turnover increased to 3.09 billion units worth RM2.46 billion from 2.99 billion units worth RM2.35 billion on Thursday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the FBM KLCI ended higher on continued...
Key Takeaway
Singapore posted the lowest consumer sentiment score in ASEAN, tied with Thailand, as optimism about the economic outlook fell sharply. The drop highlights Singapore’s sensitivity to global trade headwinds.
Index Highlights
UOB ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Index (2025)
Singapore: 47/100 (lowest, tied with Thailand)
Regional average: 54/100
YoY Movement: –10 points (largest decline among surveyed countries)
Drivers of Weakness
Economic Outlook: –17 points, biggest contributor to the decline.
Personal Financial Confidence: –6 points.
External Shocks: April 2025 U.S. tariff announcement drove volatility in May–June survey period.
Analyst Insights
UOB View:
Singapore’s trade-dependent economy remains highly exposed to external shifts.
Diversified base in manufacturing, logistics, financial services may cushion impact.
Behavioral Shift: Despite weaker sentiment, households show resilience with:
Higher savings rates
Rising insurance coverage, especially among younger consumers.
Market Implications
Macro Sensitivity: Singapore’s sentiment reflects outsized vulnerability to global trade policy shifts.
Household Behavior: Preference for savings and protection products may signal cautious spending ahead.
Sector Watch: Consumer discretionary may face headwinds, while financial services (savings, insurance) see relative resilience.
Investor Watch
Equities:
Consumer-linked sectors may underperform near term.
Insurance & financial firms may benefit from stronger household demand for protection.
FX: SGD may remain sensitive to global trade volatility.
Macro: Consumer confidence trend could foreshadow softer domestic consumption in 2H 2025.
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