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KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index finished marginally higher, supported by strong buying interest in consumer-related counters, amid mixed performance across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 1.40 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,711.39 from Tuesday's close of 1,709.99.  The key index opened 12.36 points firmer at 1,722.35 and moved between 1,711.31 and 1,722.63 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 678 to 493, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded and 34 suspended. Turnover increased to 4.50 billion units worth RM3.45 billion from 3.93 billion units worth RM3.45 billion on Tuesday.

Asian markets may look stable, but the underlying story has changed and investors need to pay attention. Asian stocks steady despite peace deal progress Oil falls to  ~US$75–78/barrel US-Iran ceasefire extended by 60 days Nikkei hits  record highs on AI momentum US stocks fall as  rate hike expectations rise Bond yields  moving higher again The oil story is getting better, but the interest-rate story is becoming more challenging. Oil Is No Longer the Main Risk With the peace deal in place: Supply disruption fears are easing Oil flows are expected to gradually resume Risk premium is being priced out   Lower oil = easing inflation pressure This is a positive shift for markets especially for energy-importing economies. But Rates Are Taking Over At the same time: The Fed is leaning  more hawkish Markets are pricing  possible rate hikes Bond yields are rising Higher rates are now the dominant driver This is why: US equities pulled back Growth stocks are und...

Malaysian energy stocks are hitting their peak, but the real shift is happening beneath the surface. Key Points Energy earnings likely peak in 2Q2026 Oil stabilising around  ~US$80/barrel Geopolitical risk premium is fading  after US-Iran deal Earnings to  gradually ease from July onwards Sector remains  overweight , but momentum is slowing The oil story is no longer about war risk, it’s about how quickly supply returns and whether demand is strong enough to keep prices near US$80. From War Rally to Normalisation The past few months were driven by: Supply disruptions Shipping constraints Risk premium from Middle East tensions Now, that narrative is shifting: Supply is  gradually returning Production is  coming back online Logistics are  normalising The energy sector is transitioning from a geopolitical-driven rally to a normalisation phase Why Oil Won’t Crash (Yet) Even with peace developments: Infrastructure repairs take time Tanker flows recover grad...

The real story isn’t that rates stayed at 3.75%, it’s that the Fed is no longer trying to guide the market every step of the way. The Federal Reserve’s latest decision to hold rates steady isn’t the real story. The bigger shift is how Kevin Warsh is changing the way the Fed operates and how markets must respond. Key Points Fed holds rates at 3.50%–3.75% No forward guidance  — a major policy shift Nearly half of policymakers signal possible rate hikes Inflation still elevated at  ~3.6% for 2026 Warsh launches  broad structural review of Fed policy Markets reacted with  higher yields and equity weakness The market is still treating Warsh like “Powell 2.0” that is likely a mistake. The Real Shift: From Powell to a Modern Greenspan This isn’t just a leadership change, it’s a philosophy shift. Warsh’s approach signals a return to a more classic central banking style: Less guidance  → fewer signals to markets More market discipline  → investors must interpret dat...

SpaceX is transitioning from hype-driven trading to institutional positioning and that’s where the real trend will be defined. SpaceX finally paused its explosive rally, but the bigger story is what this pullback reveals about positioning, liquidity, and what comes next. Key Points SpaceX fell ~5% , marking its first decline since IPO Stock had surged  nearly 50% in just 3 days  prior Still trading  ~42% above IPO price (US$135) Valuation slipped below Amazon, now  ~US$2.5 trillion Low free float (~4.2%)  is amplifying volatility Broader market weakness after  Fed rate outlook  also weighed This isn’t a breakdown and it’s the first real test after extreme post-IPO momentum. Why the Drop Happened The decline wasn’t driven by fundamentals, but by a mix of technical and macro factors: 1. Low Float = High Volatility Only a small portion of shares are tradable, which means: Prices can  spike quickly on demand But also  reverse sharply  on pro...

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index extended its rebound for a second consecutive day, closing more than one per cent higher,yh as investor sentiment remained buoyant amid improving regional market conditions and sustained buying interest in heavyweight counters.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 18.60 points, or 1.10 per cent, to 1,709.99 from yesterday's close of 1,691.39.  The key index opened 0.07 of a point weaker at 1,691.32 and moved between 1,685.57 and 1,711.20 throughout the session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outpacing losers 600 to 552, while 566 counters were unchanged, 991 untraded and 25 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.93 billion units worth RM3.45 billion from 5.02 billion units worth RM3.91 billion on Monday.

Oil prices are dropping on hopes of a US-Iran deal, but a deeper shift may be underway beneath the surface. Key Points Brent crude fell below US$83  after recent sharp declines Weak China demand (-29% imports)  signals slowing consumption High US exports  continue to flood global supply Hormuz reopening will be gradual , not immediate Markets are shifting focus from  supply shock → demand weakness Oil is no longer just reacting to geopolitics — demand softness is starting to dominate the narrative. The Real Shift: Supply Shock → Demand Weakness It is the combination of: Weak Chinese oil demand (-29%) High US exports Gradual Hormuz reopening Together, these suggest the oil market is transitioning: From a  war-driven supply shock story Toward a  global demand weakness story This is a much more important shift for investors. Why This Matters Even if geopolitical tensions ease: Supply will  increase steadily Demand may  not keep up Inventories could...

The US says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen quickly but global allies are not convinced. That gap in expectations could be a key risk for markets. Key Points US expects Hormuz reopening within days European allies warn it could take  weeks, not days Mine-clearing and security risks remain unresolved Shipping may take  up to 2 weeks to resume meaningfully Full normalisation could take  much longer Disagreements persist on  rules, tolls, and control of the strait Markets may be pricing in a smooth reopening, but reality could be slower and more complex. Why the Delay Matters Reopening Hormuz is not just a political decision, it is an operational challenge: Mines may still be present Ships need  security guarantees Insurance and risk tolerance vary among shippers This means even after a deal is signed,  confidence will take time to return . A Divided Global Response At the G7 level: The US is pushing for a  rapid reopening Europe is demanding  clari...

Japan has officially entered a new era of monetary policy and markets are paying attention. Key Points BOJ raises interest rate to 1% — highest since 1995 Marks a clear shift away from  ultra-loose policy era Signals  further policy normalisation ahead Bond purchases to remain steady until  April 2027 Decision passed  7-1 vote , showing broad support Meeting held  without Governor Kazuo Ueda  (hospitalised) Japan is no longer the world’s last ultra-low-rate holdout and that changes global capital flows. Why This Matters For years, Japan anchored global liquidity with: Near-zero interest rates Massive bond buying Cheap funding for global investors Now, that anchor is shifting. Higher Japanese rates = less global liquidity + potential capital rotation back to Japan Market Impact to Watch Yen:  Likely to strengthen over time Global bonds:  Upward pressure on yields Equities:  Possible volatility as cheap liquidity fades This could trigger an...

 KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index advanced at Monday’s close, tracking gains across regional equities as geopolitical risk sentiment improved following an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, said analysts. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 7.76 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 1,691.39 compared with last Friday's close of 1,683.63.  The key index opened 6.76 points higher at 1,690.39 earlier today and moved between 1,688.04 and 1,697.48 throughout the session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outpacing losers 789 to 483, while 467 counters were unchanged, 1,034 untraded and 36 suspended. Turnover surged to 5.02 billion units worth RM3.91 billion from 2.79 billion units worth RM2.31 billion last Friday.

The US-Iran peace deal has put the spotlight back on one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, the  Strait of Hormuz  with major implications for global markets, inflation, and trade flows. Why the Strait of Hormuz Is So Important The Strait of Hormuz is not just another shipping route: Handles  ~20% of global oil and LNG supply Key exporters: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Iran Majority of shipments  flow to Asia This single chokepoint is the backbone of global energy trade. War Impact: Supply Shock and Price Surge Since the conflict began: Ship traffic plunged from  ~135 to fewer than 10 vessels per day Oil producers were forced to  cut output due to storage constraints Oil prices surged due to  supply disruption fears This triggered  global inflation pressure  and market volatility. What the Peace Deal Changes The interim agreement includes: Ceasefire between US and Iran Plan to  reopen the Strait “immediately” after signi...

  Shares of  Tanco Holdings  plunged sharply after a temporary price floor was removed, triggering a renewed wave of selling pressure. Sharp Sell-Off Resumes The stock fell as much as  40% intraday to 12 sen , its lowest level in nearly  29 months , before recovering slightly. Last traded:  14.5 sen Volume:  284 million shares traded Among the  most active counters on Bursa Malaysia Key trigger:  The lapse of an  exchange-imposed lower-limit floor , which had briefly stabilised the stock. From High Flyer to Collapse Tanco’s recent volatility has been extreme: +600% rally since 2024 Peak market cap:  >RM10 billion (June 2026) Current market cap:  ~RM889 million More than 90% value wiped out in days , marking one of the sharpest reversals in recent Bursa history. What Caused the Volatility? Several factors contributed to the sharp swings: Speculative momentum-driven rally Exchange queries on  unusual trading activity Rapi...

Global markets staged a strong rebound after the US and Iran reached a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over energy supply disruptions and inflation pressures. Relief Rally Across Asset Classes Equities and bonds moved higher in tandem: Asian stocks surged  over 3% S&P 500 futures rose  1.1% US 10-year Treasury yields fell to  4.42% Meanwhile, oil prices dropped sharply: Brent crude fell over 4% to below US$84 Stocks rose because lower oil prices reduce inflation and Fed risks , improving the outlook for both growth and monetary policy. Inflation Outlook Improves The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could: Restore  global oil supply flows Remove  geopolitical risk premium in crude prices Ease  inflation pressures globally This strengthens expectations that central banks may  avoid further rate hikes  or even shift toward easing. Dollar Weakens, Risk Assets Gain US dollar declined  as safe-haven demand eased Bitcoin climb...

Malaysian equities opened stronger, with the  FBM KLCI  climbing as much as  0.8% to 1,697 , driven by gains in banking and technology stocks. However,  falling oil prices dragged energy counters lower , highlighting sector divergence. Banks and Tech Lead the Market Market momentum was supported by: CIMB Group Holdings  rising  over 3% Malaysian Pacific Industries  surging  7% Renewed optimism in  AI and growth sectors , following strong global tech sentiment and the ripple effects from the  SpaceX-driven market excitement . Oil Drop Hits Energy Stocks Energy counters underperformed as oil prices declined after progress in US-Iran peace talks: Dialog Group  fell  over 5% Stocks rose because lower oil prices reduce inflation and Fed risks , but this simultaneously pressures  energy sector earnings . Macro Risks Cap Upside Despite the rebound, analysts see  limited upside  for the KLCI: Resistance expected around...

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- Selected blue-chip counters trading at attractive valuations helped Bursa Malaysia close higher on Friday, despite cautious market sentiment driven by developments in West Asia, volatility in crude oil prices and uncertainty over the global interest rate outlook. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 4.10 points or 0.24 per cent to 1,683.63 compared with Thursday's close of 1,679.53.  The key index opened 5.34 points stronger at 1,684.87 earlier today and moved between 1,679.72 and 1,685.39 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 533 to 479, while 561 counters were unchanged, 1,130 untraded and 33 suspended. Turnover fell to 2.79 billion units worth RM2.31 billion from 3.32 billion units worth RM2.88 billion yesterday.

Rakuten Trade has flagged a looming  global “perfect storm”  and trimmed its  end-2026 target for the  FBM KLCI  to 1,770  from 1,800, citing rising macro risks that could unsettle markets. The “Deadly Triangle” Shaping Markets At the core of the concern is a  “deadly love triangle” : High global debt levels Lower interest rate pressure Weakening US dollar trend The US debt has surpassed  US$39 trillion , with annual interest costs nearing  US$1.2 trillion , limiting policy flexibility. Key implication: Central banks, especially the  Federal Reserve , may lean toward  rate cuts , which could  weaken the US dollar  and distort global capital flows. Rising Yields Add Another Layer of Risk Japan is emerging as a critical pressure point: 10-year bond yields at ~2.8% (highest since 1997) Risk of  yen carry trade unwinding  This could trigger  global liquidity tightening , amplifying volatility across equities and...

The  Nasdaq 100  is undergoing a major reshuffle, but the bigger story isn’t just who’s in or out. AI and Infrastructure Winners Enter the Index Nasdaq will add: Rocket Lab Astera Labs CoreWeave Nebius Teradyne What do these five companies have in common? They are all  direct beneficiaries of the AI and next-generation tech boom . Common thread: All are tied to the AI ecosystem from chips, cloud, to infrastructure and even space technology. This reflects a clear shift: Markets are no longer just betting on AI leaders like Nvidia, they are  moving deeper into the entire AI value chain . SpaceX IPO Signals the Next Wave SpaceX  has completed a  record US$75 billion IPO , and could be added to the index within weeks. This would further strengthen the Nasdaq 100’s exposure to: High-growth innovation sectors Capital-intensive future industries Old Economy and Slower Growers Exit To make room, Nasdaq removed: Charter Communications Cognizant Technology Solutions ...