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 markets advanced on Monday amid renewed optimism that the US government shutdown may soon end, boosting investor sentiment across the region.
The MSCI Emerging Asia and Asia ex-Japan indices both rose over 1%, while a global emerging market gauge reached a two-week high. Gains were fueled by reports that the US Senate is preparing to vote on a short-term funding measure through January 2026, paired with full-year spending bills to reopen the government.
“While the reopening restores critical services and eases uncertainty, the rebate plan’s feasibility remains dependent on congressional approval and tariff revenues,” said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Australia.
Regional Highlights:
Indonesia’s benchmark index gained 1%, setting a new all-time high.
Taiwan rose 1.2%, nearing its record peak from Nov 4.
South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.5%, recovering nearly all of last week’s losses, with the won strengthening 0.6%, the best performer among Asian currencies.
Malaysia’s FBM KLCI rose 0.9%, its highest in over a month, while the ringgit appreciated 0.3% to a one-year high. Investors now await 3Q2025 GDP data later this week.
Singapore stocks slipped 0.8%, weighed down by DBS Group, which fell 1.4% after hitting a record high on Friday.
Philippines equities reversed gains to close 1% lower, hitting a three-year low.
The AI rally that previously lifted South Korean and Taiwanese markets remains a key driver, though analysts caution that investor concerns over AI spending vs. returns could limit momentum.
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