KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Tuesday, outperforming most regional markets as investors continued to rotate towards commodity and plantation-related stocks, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 7.47 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 1,733.36 compared with Monday’s close of 1,725.89. The benchmark index opened 1.63 points higher at 1,727.52, and fluctuated between 1,723.60 and 1,734.53 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 762 to 438, while 576 counters were unchanged, 1,075 untraded and 16 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.74 billion units valued at RM2.91 billion from 3.45 billion units valued at RM2.74 billion on Monday.
Asian equities surged to record highs, led by a renewed technology rally after blowout earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co reassured investors that the artificial intelligence (AI) boom remains durable.
The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index rose 0.3% to a fresh all-time high, marking its fourth consecutive weekly gain. Technology shares across the region advanced strongly, while South Korea’s benchmark index — closely tied to the AI theme — also reached new peaks. TSMC shares climbed to their highest level ever, reigniting risk appetite across global markets.
The optimism spilled into US markets, with futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both rising, signalling continued strength in global tech sentiment. Investors who had previously worried about stretched valuations and heavy AI-related spending appear reassured by earnings that support ongoing data-centre demand.
Market confidence has also been supported by stronger-than-expected US economic data, prompting investors to rotate back into risk assets. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields remained largely range-bound, reflecting expectations that US monetary policy will stay stable, though bond investors remain cautious given historical precedents of sharp moves after prolonged calm.
In Asia, attention is turning to Japan, where the yen is approaching ¥160 per US dollar, reviving speculation of possible official intervention. The currency’s weakness has implications for inflation and future interest-rate decisions as the central bank prepares for a likely policy hold.
Geopolitics remains a background risk, with rising tensions in the Middle East and increased military presence in the region. Separately, a new US–Taiwan trade agreement is set to lower tariffs and boost semiconductor investment, reinforcing Asia’s strategic role in the global tech supply chain.
Key Takeaways
Asian stocks hit record highs, led by technology and AI plays
TSMC earnings eased concerns over AI overheating
MSCI Asia-Pacific Index marks fourth straight weekly gain
Global tech sentiment lifted US equity futures
US monetary policy stability keeps bond yields range-bound
Japan yen near 160/USD raises intervention concerns
US–Taiwan trade pact strengthens semiconductor outlook
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