KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended at its intraday low on Thursday as investor sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing foreign outflows, although the recent weakness may present bargain-hunting opportunities in fundamentally sound blue-chip counters. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 9.33 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 1,708.36, from yesterday’s close of 1,717.69. The benchmark index, which opened 3.74 points higher at 1,721.43, hit an intraday high of 1,722.50 in early trade before losing momentum for the rest of the day. Market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 656 to 508, while 565 counters were unchanged, 989 untraded and 32 suspended. Turnover fell to 3.49 billion units worth RM3.70 billion compared with 4.15 billion units worth RM4.29 billion on Wednesday.
Asian markets are increasingly moving in two different directions, as the AI-driven tech rally in North Asia contrasts sharply with oil-driven weakness in South and Southeast Asia.
AI Powerhouses Drive North Asia to Record Highs
Markets in North Asia continue to outperform, supported by strong semiconductor demand and AI momentum.
Key benchmarks:
- Taiex +~10% since the war began
- Kospi +~4%
- Nikkei 225 trending higher
This rally is led by chip giants such as:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co
- Samsung Electronics
- SK hynix
These firms are deeply embedded in the global AI supply chain, attracting sustained investor inflows despite geopolitical risks.
South & Southeast Asia Struggle Under Oil Pressure
In contrast, markets in South and Southeast Asia are underperforming:
- Nifty 50 -~5%
- MSCI ASEAN Index -~7%
- Philippines & Indonesia indices -10%+
The weakness reflects:
- Rising oil prices increasing import costs
- Widening current account deficits
- Currency depreciation pressures
- Limited exposure to high-growth tech sectors
Energy Shock vs AI Growth: Two Competing Narratives
The divergence is driven by three key factors:
- Energy Exposure
- South/Southeast Asia more vulnerable to oil price spikes
- North Asia better positioned despite similar dependence
- AI and Tech Leadership
- North Asia benefits from semiconductor dominance
- South Asia lacks strong AI-linked investment themes
- Stronger Economic Buffers in North Asia
- Better fiscal strength and industrial positioning
Currency Trends Reinforce the Divide
- Stable currencies: China yuan, Taiwan dollar
- Weaker currencies: India rupee, Southeast Asian currencies
This reflects capital flows favoring tech-driven economies.
Notable Exceptions and Nuances
- Malaysia benefits partially as an oil exporter, supporting its currency
- Singapore remains resilient due to safe-haven inflows
- China is cushioned by its renewable energy and EV push, reducing oil dependency
What’s Next: AI Earnings in Focus
The next catalyst for markets will be earnings from global tech giants, including:
- Microsoft
- Meta Platforms
Investors will closely monitor AI-related capital expenditure, which will determine whether the current rally is sustainable.
Investor Takeaways
- Asia is seeing a clear market divide driven by AI vs oil dynamics.
- North Asia outperforms, supported by semiconductor and AI demand.
- South and Southeast Asia lag due to energy shocks and weaker tech exposure.
- Currency trends reflect capital shifting toward tech-driven economies.
- Sustainability of the rally depends on AI earnings and global energy prices.
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