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...
Key Takeaways
Singapore market opens higher with strong breadth.
U.S. stocks climb as traders price in a December Fed rate cut.
AI stocks diverge: Alphabet rallies; Nvidia faces selling pressure.
Singapore inflation expected at 1.5% in 2026 due to domestic cost adjustments.
Stocks to Watch: Singtel, Nio, ThaiBev, Seatrium, ComfortDelGro, Coliwoo, NoonTalk.
Singapore Market Opens on a Firm Note
The Straits Times Index started Wednesday in positive territory, rising 0.47% to 4506.52. Market breadth was healthy, with 91 advancers vs. 34 decliners, and total turnover reached S$142.76 million in early trade.
Wall Street: Fed Cut Hopes Lift Sentiment, AI Plays Split
U.S. equities finished higher on Tuesday as markets leaned into expectations that the Federal Reserve may lower rates in December. Futures traders now assign a ~90% probability of a 25bp cut.
Alphabet extended its AI-driven rally, reportedly boosted by Meta’s interest in deploying Google’s AI chips.
Nvidia, meanwhile, faced heavier selling as investors reassessed stretched AI valuations.
Bitcoin traded at US$87,787 (-0.82%), while Ethereum rose to US$2,973 (+0.43%).
Cooling inflation signals from the PPI and soft consumer confidence data reinforced rate-cut expectations, supporting tech rebound efforts later in the session.
Singapore Inflation Seen Rising to 1.5% in 2026
Economists from UOB and CGS International project headline and core inflation to settle at around 1.5% in 2026, driven mainly by domestic cost adjustments:
Sustainable Aviation Fuel levy (effective Oct 2026)
Carbon tax hike, possibly lifting power tariffs
Public transport fare increase (Dec 2025)
Healthcare and childcare costs
High COE premiums & elevated airfares
Risks remain tilted to supply-side shocks, though relief is possible if global demand softens or oil prices retreat.
Stocks to Watch
Singtel
Optus issued S$200 million in 10-year fixed-rate notes at 2.48%, with proceeds swapped into AUD for operational needs.
Nio
Nio narrowed its Q3 FY2025 net loss to RMB3.5b from RMB5.1b. Revenue rose 16.7% to RMB21.8b.
Q4 guidance: Revenue of RMB32.8–34b, up 66–73% YoY, signalling strong delivery momentum.
ThaiBev
FY2025 net profit fell 6.8% to THB25.4b amid heavier brand investment and rising operating costs.
Seatrium
Secured an EPC and commissioning contract from BP for the Tiber floating production unit. FY2025 contract wins now exceed S$2b.
ComfortDelGro
CDG China signed an MoU with Hello Robotaxi to jointly deploy large-scale robotaxi fleets locally and internationally.
Coliwoo Holdings
H2 net profit dropped 75.1% to S$5.7m. Full-year earnings plunged 51.4% to S$15m.
NoonTalk Media
Despite three years of losses, management defended pay levels in AGM minutes. Shareholders approved up to S$120,000in directors’ fees for FY2025.
Comments
Post a Comment