KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index recouped earlier losses to settle higher, maintaining a more than six-year high, buoyed by continued buying interest in technology stocks, while the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar further lifted investor sentiment. At 2.27 pm today, the local currency strengthened to 3.9992 versus the greenback, its strongest level in more than seven years. It was last seen at this level on June 18, 2018, at 3.9960/9990. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 2.85 points or 0.17 per cent to 1,719.99 from yesterday’s close of 1,717.14. The index surpassed its previous peak of 1,719.00 recorded on Feb 26, 2019. The barometer index opened 1.30 points lower at 1,715.84 and moved between an intraday low of 1,711.89 in early trade and a high of 1,723.41 in late afternoon before slipping slightly toward the close. However, market breadth was negative with decl...
Global risk sentiment improved after the US rolled back tariff threats on Europe, lifting Wall Street overnight and helping Bursa Malaysia rebound, while fresh data showed Malaysia’s trade with ASEAN and exports continuing to climb on strong sectoral demand.
Wall Street: Relief Rally After Tariff U-Turn
US equities jumped after President Donald Trump confirmed he would scrap planned tariffs on European goods, easing fears linked to the Greenland dispute.
S&P 500 Index: 6,875.62 (+1.16%)
Dow Jones Industrial Average: 49,077.23 (+1.21%)
Nasdaq Composite Index: 23,224.83 (+1.18%)
Risk-on sentiment fueled a strong bounce across tech and semiconductors, with several Magnificent Seven names extending gains.
Bursa Malaysia: KLCI Bounces Back
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index snapped a three-day losing streak, reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level.
KLCI: 1,705.81 (+0.40%)
Top gainer: MRDIY +2.30%
Top loser: GAMUDA -1.30%
USD/MYR: 4.047 (-0.19%)
Market breadth tilted positive, with 591 gainers vs 443 decliners, while turnover reached RM3.14 billion, reflecting renewed but cautious participation.
ASEAN Trade Rises, Exports Stay Firm
Malaysia’s trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continued to expand, reinforcing the region’s role as a key growth pillar.
ASEAN trade (Jan–Nov 2025): RM709.08bn (+1.7% YoY)
Share of total trade: 25.6%
Exports to ASEAN rose 4.8% to RM418.78bn, supported by strong demand for:
Electrical & Electronic (E&E) products
Machinery and equipment
Optical and scientific instruments
Imports from ASEAN fell 2.6% to RM290.30bn, mainly due to weaker demand for petroleum products, chemicals and transport equipment.
Policy Watch
Malaysia will clarify and redefine key terms before finalising ratification of its Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US, citing concerns over national sovereignty and strategic interests.
Stocks to Watch
Sunway Bhd – Reaffirmed commitment to proceed with its takeover offer for IJM Corp Bhd, despite an ongoing MACC probe.
Carimin Petroleum Bhd – Acquired a 19.5% stake in Sealink International Bhd for RM39.98m, becoming its largest shareholder.
Smart Asia Chemical Bhd – Said only one-off deployment revenue may face pressure; long-term managed services with Tenaga Nasional Bhd remain intact.
Binastra Corp Bhd – Secured a RM742.9m Johor Bahru serviced apartment project.
Elridge Energy Holdings Bhd – Signed a one-year biomass fuel supply deal with Thailand’s Berkana Power.
KIP Real Estate Investment Trust – Q2FY26 net property income surged 49.9% YoY to RM32.41m on new asset contributions.
Pantech Global Bhd – Q3FY26 profit flat as higher revenue was offset by rising costs.
Market Takeaway
Global sentiment improved, but volatility remains headline-driven
ASEAN demand continues to support Malaysia’s export base
KLCI’s rebound signals selective risk appetite, not broad conviction
Investors remain nimble, balancing improving trade data against ongoing geopolitical and policy uncertainty.
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