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Market Daily Report: Bursa Malaysia Closes Higher On Strong Buying Of Blue Chips

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher today as buying on selected blue chips continued, said a brokerage.   At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 8.85 points or 0.51 per cent to 1,756.39 from Tuesday’s close of 1,747.54. The barometer index opened 3.69 points higher at 1,751.23 before moving as low as 1,745.51 in early trade to as high as 1,757.15 during the mid-afternoon session.  Market breadth was positive with gainers leading losers 575 to 474, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,087 untraded and 11 suspended. Turnover expanded to 2.55 billion units valued at RM3.06 billion from yesterday’s 2.19 billion units valued at RM2.35 billion.
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AmEx Spending Surges, Dividend Raised 16% Despite Higher Costs

Quick Summary

  • American Express saw stronger-than-expected customer spending

  • Quarterly dividend raised by 16% to US$0.95 per share

  • Earnings narrowly missed estimates due to higher investment costs

  • Management warns proposed US credit-card rate cap could hurt the economy

What Happened

American Express Co reported robust customer spending in the fourth quarter, signalling resilient consumer demand even as costs climbed.

  • Transaction volume (billed business): US$445.1 billion, +9% YoY

  • Beat Wall Street expectations of US$441.4 billion

  • Dividend increased by ~16% to US$0.95 per share, effective Q1

Earnings Snapshot

  • EPS: US$3.53 (+16% YoY), slightly below consensus of US$3.56

  • Higher costs weighed on profit, driven mainly by:

    • Platinum card refresh

    • Investments in AmEx’s new app and digital capabilities

CEO Stephen Squeri said the spending is strategic and already delivering results.

“Our investments are paying off — driving increased customer demand, engagement and loyalty,”Squeri said.

Industry Context

AmEx’s results echo strength across the payments sector.
Mastercard also beat expectations, with management citing healthy consumer and business spending.

Policy Risk: Credit-Card Rate Cap

President Donald Trump has proposed a one-year cap on credit-card interest rates at 10%, arguing it would ease affordability pressures.

Squeri warned the proposal could have severe unintended consequences.

“You’re talking about a pullback in credit like we’ve never seen before,” he said.

Key risk: Industry players argue a rate cap could restrict credit access and slow economic activity.

Bottom Line

American Express is benefiting from resilient consumer spending and strong engagement from premium customers.
While higher investment costs trimmed earnings slightly, the dividend hike underscores confidence in cash flow and long-term growth. The bigger uncertainty now lies in potential regulatory intervention in the credit-card market.

Key Takeaways

  • Spending momentum remains strong

  • Dividend hike signals balance-sheet confidence

  • Costs rising due to strategic investments

  • Regulatory risk is the main overhang

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