Malaysia’s market saw mixed signals, with strong corporate earnings and record trade data offset by continued weakness in equities amid cautious investor sentiment.
Wall Street Rally Led by AI Momentum
US markets surged on the back of strong tech performance:
- S&P 500 +1.08% (record high)
- Nasdaq Composite +1.54%
- Dow Jones Industrial Average +1.31%
Nvidia remained in focus after beating revenue expectations and announcing an US$80 billion share buyback, reinforcing AI-driven optimism.
KLCI Falls for Sixth Straight Session
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index declined 0.55%, extending its losing streak to six consecutive sessions.
- Market breadth was weak (840 losers vs 366 gainers)
- Losses were led by PETRONAS-linked stocks
- Sentiment remains cautious amid regional weakness and geopolitical risks
Malaysia Trade Hits Record High
Malaysia’s external trade delivered a strong macro boost:
- Total trade: RM336.7 billion (+28.6% YoY)
- Exports: RM182.7 billion (+36.9%) — all-time high
- Imports: RM154 billion (+20%)
- Trade surplus: RM28.8 billion
Growth was driven by:
- Re-exports (+113.5%)
- Steady expansion in domestic exports (+11.2%)
Corporate Highlights: Earnings and M&A Activity
Record Earnings
- MR D.I.Y.
- Net profit: RM192 million (+10.3% YoY)
- Revenue: RM1.37 billion (record high)
- Supported by margin expansion and store growth
Major Corporate Move
- Batu Kawan acquiring 47.7% stake in MKH
- Triggers mandatory general offer (MGO)
- Potential move to take MKH private
Mixed Earnings Across Sectors
- IGB: Profit surged on one-off disposal gain
- Genting Plantations : Profit +11% YoY
- UEM Sunrise: Profit -20.9% YoY
- S P Setia (8664.MY): Profit more than halved
Investor Takeaways
- KLCI remains under pressure, despite strong global tech momentum.
- Malaysia exports hit record highs, signalling strong external demand.
- MR D.I.Y. delivered record earnings, highlighting resilient consumer demand.
- M&A activity (Batu Kawan–MKH) signals ongoing corporate restructuring opportunities.
- Mixed earnings underline the need for selective stock picking.
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