KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end higher today with the benchmark FBM KLCI reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation of the Iran conflict, alongside Malaysia’s stronger Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 27.51 points, or 1.64 per cent, to 1,701.68 from yesterday’s close of 1,674.17. The benchmark index opened 10.68 points higher at 1,684.85, its lowest point today, and hit a high of 1,703.61 in the late afternoon session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers thumping losers 929 to 382. A total of 361 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.60 billion units worth RM3.75 billion from yesterday’s 5.52 billion units worth RM5.87 billion.
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.
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