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 equities opened firmer on Tuesday as global risk sentiment improved, tracking Wall Street’s rebound driven by renewed confidence in a Federal Reserve rate cut next month. Gains across large-cap tech helped lift US benchmarks sharply, while Singapore’s latest inflation print surprised to the upside, signalling that domestic cost pressures may be re-emerging.
Wall Street: Tech-Led Rally as Rate-Cut Odds Jump
US stocks surged overnight, with the S&P 500 reclaiming the 6,700 level and tech outperforming after traders boosted expectations for a December rate cut. CME FedWatch now places the probability of a 25-basis-point reduction at nearly 77%.
AI-linked names powered the rebound.
• Alphabet jumped 6.3% to a record high after upbeat reaction to its Gemini 3 AI update.
• Broadcom, Micron and AMD gained between 5% and 11%.
• Tesla climbed 6.8% after Elon Musk unveiled the company’s completed in-house chip designs for autos and data centres.
Fed officials including Mary Daly and John Williams signalled support for near-term easing, citing a vulnerable labour market and softer inflation impulses.
Crypto markets also found footing, with Bitcoin briefly trading above US$89,000 after a sharp weekend correction.
Singapore: Inflation Rebounds, GDP Outlook for 2026 Softens
Singapore’s core inflation accelerated to 1.2% YoY in October, reversing sharply from September’s 0.4%. Upside pressure came from services, food, and retail goods, while headline CPI also rose to 1.2% on higher private transport costs.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore expects:
• Core inflation to average ~0.5% in 2025, rising to 0.5–1.5% in 2026
• CPI-all items at 0.5–1.0% (2025) and 0.5–1.5% (2026)
Economists raised their 2025 GDP forecasts to ~4–4.4% after stronger Q3 performance but expect a slowdown to 1–3% in 2026 as AI-driven demand moderates and tariff impacts filter through global supply chains.
Stocks to Watch
Keppel Corp
Partnering with JTC to launch a 2026 trial of green energy solutions. Plans include renewables-powered microgrids, demand-response systems to shift electricity usage to off-peak periods, and thermal networks to cut cooling loads for data-centre-heavy sites.
CapitaLand Investment
Set to co-develop the retail concept for Coronation Square Mall (RM5b project) in the Johor–Singapore SEZ. Ascott already appointed to manage the project’s hotel. Construction begins next year, with completion targeted for 2029.
CDL Hospitality Trusts
Signed a five-year lease (with an optional extension) to keep operating the Grand Millennium Auckland. Minimum rent: NZ$2 million annually before GST, pegged to the hotel’s net operating profit.
UOB
Issued €850 million in covered bonds due 2030 with a 2.718% fixed coupon. Listing expected on SGX on Dec 1.
Wee Hur
Launched S$30 million of 2030 notes at a 4.8% coupon. Listing begins Dec 2, with proceeds earmarked for refinancing, investments, working capital, and capex.
Comments
Post a Comment