KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed higher today on bargain hunting, in line with positive investor sentiment across regional markets, consolidating at its highest level in more than two months — a level last seen on Oct 2, 2025. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 12.42 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 1,637.81, compared with Thursday’s close of 1,625.39. The benchmark index opened 2.83 points lower at 1,622.56, thereafter edged down to an early low of 1,622.03, before staging an uptrend to an intraday high of 1,640.36 in late trading. Market breadth was positive, with gainers trouncing decliners at 743 versus 387. Another 530 counters were unchanged, 1,108 untraded, and 16 suspended. Turnover increased to 3.09 billion units worth RM2.46 billion from 2.99 billion units worth RM2.35 billion on Thursday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the FBM KLCI ended higher on continued...
Singapore’s sovereign bonds look set to extend their outperformance into year-end, with Barclays plc expecting demand to strengthen as supply tightens and liquidity improves across the financial system.
Yields on the city-state’s 10-year government securities have already dropped about 100 basis points this year — the biggest decline in emerging Asia. Barclays strategist Audrey Ong said net supply could turn flat or even negative by December, supporting further yield compression. The bank forecasts the benchmark 10-year yield to fall to 1.60% by year-end, from around 1.85% currently.
Investor appetite for Singapore debt has been rising as global funds rotate away from US assets and seek higher-quality alternatives. The island nation’s AAA rating and resilient bond performance have boosted its status as a regional haven.
Liquidity dynamics are adding to the appeal. The Monetary Authority of Singapore is on track to deliver the lowest net T-bill supply since 2019, with about S$23 billion issued so far this year. Meanwhile, the domestic loan-to-deposit ratio remains near its lowest level on record, keeping interbank borrowing costs subdued and freeing up funds for sovereign debt purchases.
Seasonal trends also favour Singapore bonds. Over the past eight years, 10-year yields have fallen an average 4.3 basis points in November, partly mirroring declines in US Treasuries, given Singapore’s lack of a traditional interest-rate policy anchor.
Further support may come from the corporate market. Citigroup strategist Gordon Goh noted that the slower expansion of outstanding Singapore-dollar corporate bonds will reduce competition for investor capital and bolster demand for sovereign notes through the rest of 2025.
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