Global markets surged on the back of a semiconductor-driven rally, while Malaysia’s benchmark index edged lower as sector rotation and domestic factors capped gains.
Wall Street Hits Record Highs on AI Momentum
US equities extended gains, led by a strong earnings-driven rally:
- S&P 500 +0.8% (record high)
- Nasdaq Composite +1.63% (record high)
- Dow Jones Industrial Average -0.16%
The surge was driven by Intel, which jumped 23.6% after a blowout Q1 earnings beat and strong guidance, sparking a broad rally across semiconductor stocks.
Other notable gainers:
- Advanced Micro Devices +13.9%
- Arm Holdings +14.8%
- Qualcomm +11.1%
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co +5.2% (record high)
This reinforces the AI and semiconductor supercycle narrative, which continues to dominate global equity markets.
Bursa Malaysia Ends Slightly Lower
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI slipped 0.08% to 1,720.34.
- Top gainer: Press Metal Aluminium +4.34%
- Top loser: Gamuda -3.59%
The market saw gains in metals offset by weakness in construction, reflecting selective profit-taking and sector rotation.
Policy Watch: Diesel Road Tax Relief Under Review
Malaysia is evaluating a reduction in road tax for diesel vehicles to cushion the impact of floating fuel prices.
This could:
- Ease cost pressures for businesses and consumers
- Support domestic consumption and logistics sectors
Commodities and Currency
- Oil prices declined slightly to ~US$95, supported by ceasefire optimism
- Ringgit remained stable at ~3.965 against the US dollar
Stocks to Watch
- Padini Holdings under scrutiny after bank accounts frozen in an investigation
- Unisem reported a loss due to margin pressure, despite higher revenue
- Mesiniaga secured a RM51.6M cloud infrastructure contract
- Sarawak Consolidated Industries won a RM32.8M EPCC project
- Eco World Development sold land for RM280.8M, highlighting continued industrial demand
Investor Takeaways
- Global markets are driven by AI and semiconductor momentum, led by Intel’s strong earnings.
- Malaysia’s market remains range-bound, with sector rotation limiting upside.
- Policy support measures could help cushion rising fuel costs domestically.
- Tech rally may spill over to Bursa’s semiconductor names, offering selective opportunities.
- Investors should balance global AI tailwinds with local earnings and policy developments.
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