Malaysia’s market closed slightly higher as select blue-chip buying offset global risk-off sentiment, while analysts highlighted palm oil output as a meaningful contributor to near-term GDP growth and longer-term economic momentum.
Market Snapshot
US Market Recap
S&P 500 Index: 6,926.6 (-0.5%)
Dow Jones Industrial Average: 49,149.63 (-0.1%)
Nasdaq Composite Index: 23,471.75 (-1.0%)
US equities retreated from recent record highs as technology and banking stocks weakened, while geopolitical tensions involving Iran and renewed political rhetoric added to investor caution.
Bursa Malaysia Performance
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index: 1,710.91 (+0.16%)
Top Gainer: Petronas Dagangan (+3.96%)
Top Loser: Gamuda (-2.04%)
USD/MYR: 4.0493
The FBM KLCI edged higher on late-session buying, maintaining levels above the key 1,710 mark.
Key Themes Driving Malaysia’s Outlook
Palm Oil Supports GDP Growth
CIMB Investment Bank estimates Q4 2025 GDP growth at 5.3% YoY
Full-year 2025 GDP growth: 4.8%
Palm oil production surge contributed ~0.4% to GDP growth
Strong CPO output and manufacturing activity were key drivers
This reinforces palm oil’s role as a strategic sector supporting income, exports, and rural economic activity.
Construction and Digital Infrastructure Remain Structural Drivers
Malaysia’s construction sector is projected to grow ~4% annually from 2026–2029
Growth supported by:
Housing demand
Oil & gas supply chains
Data centres and digital infrastructure investments
Utilities Set for Earnings Stabilisation
Maybank Investment Bank expects a mild earnings rebound in 2026
Sector enters 2026 “on a clean slate”
Tenaga Nasional has fully settled its disputed tax prepayment, removing a key overhang
Stocks to Watch
- Sunview GroupProposes private placement of up to 10% of enlarged share capital, raising up to RM19.02m for EPCC working capital.
- Hibiscus PetroleumAnnounced an unexpected gas discovery in Australia’s Otway Basin; commercial viability under review.
- GtronicsAppointed a new non-executive chairman following board changes.
- Pestech InternationalSubsidiary served with a winding-up petition over US$2.39m, though management sees no material impact.
- Tenaga NasionalSigned a Phase 2 energy wheeling agreement enabling cross-border power transmission from Laos to Singapore via Malaysia.
Market Takeaway
Malaysia’s equity market remains resilient, supported by:
Strong palm oil output
Infrastructure and data centre investments
Stabilising utilities sector
While global volatility persists, domestic growth drivers are increasingly visible, positioning Malaysia on a steadier footing heading into 2026.
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