KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended Tuesday’s trading session higher, in line with gains across regional markets, as sentiment improved on expectations of potential peace talks between the United States (US) and Iran. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 7.60 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 1,688.12 from Monday’s close of 1,680.52. The benchmark index opened 10.44 points higher at 1,690.96 moved between 1,686.06 and 1,694.16 throughout the day. In the broader market, gainers outpaced losers 663 to 455, while 537 counters were unchanged, 1,061 untraded and 12 suspended. Turnover eased to 2.85 billion units worth RM2.67 billion from Monday’s 2.94 billion units worth RM2.64 billion.
Singapore equities opened higher on Tuesday, tracking gains on Wall Street, while investors turn cautious ahead of a potential monetary policy tightening by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) amid rising oil-driven inflation pressures.
STI Opens Higher Amid Positive Market Breadth
The FTSE Straits Times Index rose 0.48% to 5,008.28 in early trade, supported by broad-based buying.
Market internals were positive, with 110 advancers versus 23 decliners, as trading activity reached 99.36 million shares worth S$67.26 million.
Wall Street Rally Driven by AI and Chip Stocks
Overnight, US markets advanced, led by technology stocks:
- Nasdaq Composite +1.2%
- S&P 500 +1.0%
- Dow Jones Industrial Average +0.6%
Gains were fueled by AI and semiconductor names, including Intel and Nokia.
Investor sentiment improved after Donald Trump signaled that Iran may be open to negotiations, easing some geopolitical concerns.
MAS Policy Decision in Spotlight
The key focus for markets today is the MAS policy review, where economists widely expect a tightening stance.
A Bloomberg survey shows 15 out of 18 economists anticipate policy tightening, driven by rising import costs from higher oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Core inflation is projected to reach 1.9%, near the upper bound of official forecasts, increasing the likelihood of policy action to curb price pressures.
Singapore Economy Shows Mixed Signals
Singapore’s economy expanded 4.6% year-on-year in Q1 2026, though growth slowed from the previous quarter.
On a quarterly basis, GDP contracted 0.3%, highlighting emerging growth headwinds.
Authorities warned that the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict may weigh on economic activity, particularly through trade and energy channels.
Industry Shift: Food Delivery Consolidation
The exit of Deliveroo is expected to reshape Singapore’s food delivery landscape.
The market is now moving toward a duopoly structure, which could lead to:
- Higher delivery fees for consumers
- Increased commission rates for merchants
This reflects structural challenges in achieving profitability in mature digital platform markets.
Stocks to Watch
- Koh Brothers Group rejected a shareholder proposal related to its stake in Oiltek International, signaling governance tensions
- Acrophyte Hospitality Trust faces refinancing risks on a US$198.5 million loan, raising going concern concerns
- Capital World resumed work on a delayed Johor Bahru retail project, targeting completion by 2027
Investor Takeaways
- Singapore equities opened higher, supported by strong US tech-led gains.
- MAS is widely expected to tighten policy, driven by oil-led inflation pressures.
- Q1 GDP growth remains resilient, but quarterly contraction signals slowing momentum.
- Food delivery sector consolidation may lead to higher costs and reduced competition.
- Investors should monitor policy signals and geopolitical developments, which remain key market drivers.
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