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...
Asian trading opened cautiously after mixed U.S. tech earnings and a Federal Reserve signal of a potential rate pause, while local equities found support from selective buying in blue chips.
Overnight on Wall Street
Global markets took a breather as tech results sent mixed signals.
Meta Platforms (–11.3%) plunged after outlining higher AI spending and a one-time tax hit, despite beating profit forecasts.
Microsoft (–2.9%) slipped on investor concerns over rising AI capital expenditure.
In contrast, Amazon (+13% after hours) surged after reporting its fastest AWS growth in nearly three years, while Apple (+2% after hours) offered a strong holiday quarter outlook.
Major indices retreated:
Nasdaq Composite: 23,581.14 (–1.57%)
S&P 500: 6,822.34 (–0.99%)
Dow Jones: 47,522.12 (–0.23%)
A brief U.S.–China trade thaw provided some relief, with a 10% U.S. tariff cut and China easing rare-earth export restrictions for at least one year. However, the Fed’s cautious tone dampened broader risk appetite as traders scaled back expectations for further rate cuts.
Local Market Snapshot
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI rose 2.66 points (+0.17%) to 1,614.20, snapping a two-day decline. Gains in Petronas Dagangan (+1.7%) helped offset weakness in Petronas Chemicals (–1.7%).
Market breadth: 395 gainers vs. 607 losers
Volume: 3.5 billion shares
Turnover: RM2.62 billion
USD/MYR: 4.20 (+0.27%)
Key Corporate Developments
Bursa Malaysia
Approved to revise listing and regulatory-related fees effective Jan 1, 2026 — the first update since 2001 and 2007 respectively.
The move is expected to lift annual revenue by RM28–34 million.
Stocks in Focus
BURSA (–2.0%) lowered FY2025 profit guidance to RM314–347 million (from RM369–408 million) after a soft Q3 and reduced its new listings target to RM25.2 billion.
BAT (–15.9%) reported a 90% plunge in Q3 net profit to RM7.02 million, its lowest on record, due to new cigarette sales regulations.
EWICAP (formerly Eco World International) will invest A$100 million (RM276.5 million) in TrustCapital Australian Office Fund No.3, shifting focus toward investment holdings.
AWC secured a RM99.1 million contract from TM Technology Services, a Telekom Malaysia unit.
CAPITALA expects to exit PN17 status by Dec 2025, following its airline consolidation with AAX.
CTOS posted a 10.4% YoY decline in Q3 net profit to RM24.7 million, citing higher costs and weaker associate income.
PAVREIT reported a 10% rise in Q3 net property income to RM145.5 million, driven by new assets — Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur and Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
MUDAJYA is selling four Ijok land parcels for RM36.8 million, expecting a RM24 million disposal gain in FY2025.
PHARMA acquired two industrial buildings in Terengganu and Sarawak for RM30.5 million to strengthen its East Malaysia logistics network.
Investor Outlook
Global sentiment remains cautious as Fed policy uncertainty and AI-driven capex pressures temper enthusiasm for tech stocks. Locally, selective interest in defensive and dividend-paying counters could lend short-term support to the KLCI, while investors monitor Bursa’s fee revision and corporate restructuring themes.
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