KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its positive performance, closing higher for a fourth consecutive session, supported by improving local market sentiment underpinned by a firm domestic macroeconomic backdrop. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.59 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,648.31, from Monday’s close of 1,643.72. The index had opened 0.95 of a point lower at 1,642.77, and moved between 1,636.50 and 1,648.71 throughout the trading session However, on the broader market, decliners beat gainers 699 versus 408. A further 520 counters were unchanged, 1,149 untraded and 12 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.59 billion units worth RM2.27 billion from 2.50 billion units worth RM2.16 billion on Monday.
Key Takeaway: The World Bank lifts Malaysia’s 2025 growth outlook amid firm domestic demand, while global markets ease on U.S. shutdown worries and Tesla’s pullback.
Global Markets Overview
Wall Street retreats from record highs as investors brace for the U.S. government shutdown and weaker mega-cap tech performance.
| Index | Latest | Change |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 (.SPX.US) | 6,714.59 | 🔻 -0.38% |
| Dow Jones (.DJI.US) | 46,602.98 | 🔻 -0.20% |
| Nasdaq (.IXIC.US) | 22,788.36 | 🔻 -0.67% |
The U.S. government shutdown entered its sixth day, furloughing ~750,000 federal workers.
Tesla (TSLA.US) tumbled 4.45%, erasing most of Monday’s rally after unveiling “cheaper” Model Y and Model 3 trims — both priced near US$40,000, disappointing investors expecting deeper cuts.
Tech weakness dragged down major indexes, ending their streak of all-time highs.
Bursa Malaysia Snapshot
| Index | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| FBM KLCI (.KLSE.MY) | 1,630.03 | 🔻 -0.49% |
| USD/MYR | 4.214 | 🔺 +0.20% |
Market Breadth:
Losers: 717
Gainers: 368
Unchanged: 463
Volume: 3.45B shares (RM3B value)
Top Gainer: $PCHEM (5183.MY)$ 🟢 +2.38% → RM4.30
Top Loser: $IHH (5225.MY)$ 🔻 -1.92% → RM4.19
Economic Focus – World Bank Raises Malaysia’s GDP Forecast
The World Bank has upgraded Malaysia’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 4.1% (from 3.9%), citing:
Stronger external demand
Steady domestic consumption
The outlook aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s target of 4.0%–4.8%, following a 4.4% expansion in 1H 2025.
Analyst view: Budget 2026 will be key to sustaining Bursa Malaysia’s momentum, especially if it boosts development expenditure (DE) and growth initiatives.
Stocks to Watch
1️⃣ $BIPORT (5032.MY)$
Received High Court approval to challenge the Inland Revenue Board’s RM44.2M tax assessment.
2️⃣ $BNASTRA (7195.MY)$
Subsidiary Binastra Green Energy secured a RM305M solar PV & battery project from Bahru Stainless Sdn Bhd (BSSB) in Johor.
Project includes 65MWp PV + 200MWh storage system, signed on Oct 7, 2025.
3️⃣ $KNM (7164.MY)$
Major shareholder MAA Group seeks EGM to vote on €270M (RM1.34B) sale of Deutsche KNM GmbH.
4️⃣ $GDB (0198.MY)$
Proposed private placement of 93.75M shares (10%) at 41.9 sen, to Datuk Seri Chan Leng Sam & Datuk Seri Voon Thien Loong.
5️⃣ $PGB (0091.MY)$
Selling 70% stake in Propel Maxflo Sdn Bhd to Reservoir Link for RM13.79M cash + 4.44% Reservoir Link stake.
Raises total interest to 14.26%.
6️⃣ $ADVCON (5281.MY)$
Won adjudication case against China Communication Construction (ECRL) over payment dispute in the ECRL project.
Investor Outlook
Short-term: Bursa may stay range-bound until Budget 2026 details are released.
Medium-term: Growth-oriented policies could attract renewed foreign inflows.
FX: Ringgit remains stable around 4.21, supported by domestic resilience despite U.S. dollar strength.
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