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KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...

 KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close higher on Wednesday on selective buying of defensive stocks after a volatile trading session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said consumer products and services stocks lifted the key index higher, overcoming lingering geopolitical concerns. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.08 points to 1,715.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,712.48. The benchmark index, which opened 1.91 points higher at 1,714.39, moved between 1,710.79 and 1,720.59 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, gainers outstripped decliners 550 to 476, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,129 untraded, and 48 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.48 billion from 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion on Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed marginally lower on Tuesday as investors turned cautious ahead of a busy week featuring the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy meeting and earnings releases from major US technology companies. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 0.61 of a point or 0.04 per cent to 1,712.48 from yesterday’s close of 1,713.09. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points weaker at 1,711.95, moved between 1,703.83 and 1,715.02 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, decliners outstripped gainers 717 to 348, while 536 counters were unchanged, 1,179 untraded, and 36 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion from 2.86 billion units valued at RM2.24 billion on Monday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed higher as bargain-hunting activities emerged in banking and plantation heavyweights following the recent pullback. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) jumped 12.07 points to 1,713.09 from last Friday's close of 1,701.02. The benchmark index, which opened 2.63 points firmer at 1,703.65, moved between 1,702.35 and 1,718.31 during today’s trading. In the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 547 to 531 while 563 counters were unchanged, 1,132 untraded, and 53 suspended. Turnover fell to 2.86 billion units valued at RM2.24 billion from 3.03 billion units valued at RM2.30 billion on Friday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower across the board on Friday, as investors assessed the impact of the United States’ latest tariffs on imports from 60 economies. However, the benchmark FBM KLCI fared better than its regional peers. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined 13.57 points, or 0.79 per cent, to 1,701.02 from Thursday's close of 1,714.59. The benchmark index opened 4.14 points lower at 1,710.45, and moved between 1,697.76 and 1,710.80 throughout the day. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered advancers 723 to 339, while 543 counters were unchanged, 1,168 untraded, and 30 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 3.03 billion units valued at RM2.30 billion from 3.19 billion units valued at RM2.27 billion on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia snapped a three-day pullback to close 0.18 per cent higher on Thursday, as surge in global oil prices supported Malaysia’s energy-related companies, while utilities attracted investors seeking defensive earnings amid persistent global uncertainties. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.22 points to 1,714.59 from Wednesday's close of 1,711.37. The benchmark index opened 3.01 points higher at 1,714.38, and moved between 1,709.05 and 1,716.43 throughout the day. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered advancers 599 to 415, while 600 counters were unchanged, 1,138 untraded, and 23 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 3.19 billion units valued at RM2.27 billion from 3.43 billion units valued at RM2.50 billion on Wednesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Wednesday as investors continued to take profit following the recent rally, while elevated crude oil prices and lingering geopolitical tensions in West Asia kept market sentiment cautious, said an analyst.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell nine points, or 0.52  per cent, to 1,711.37 from Tuesday’s close of 1,720.37. The index opened 0.53 of a point easier at 1,719.84, and moved between 1,709.15 and 1,721.31 throughout the day. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered advancers 590 to 450, while 596 counters were unchanged, 1,111 untraded, and 23 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 3.43 billion units valued at RM2.50 billion from 3.48 billion units valued at RM2.79 billion on Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed marginally lower on Tuesday, weighed down by continued profit-taking, although the positive market breadth indicated that selective buying interest remained intact. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.92 points, or 0.11 per cent, to close at 1,720.37 from Monday's close of 1,722.29.  The index opened 3.33 points higher at 1,725.62, and moved between 1,712.66 and 1,726.88 throughout the day. On the broader market, advancers beat decliners 579 to 512, while 539 counters were unchanged, 1,105 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover increased to 3.48 billion units valued at RM2.79 billion from 3.27 billion units valued at RM2.21 billion on Monday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed higher on Friday, supported by sustained foreign fund inflows and improving domestic macroeconomic fundamentals. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 9.26 points, or 0.54 per cent, to close at 1,731.45 from Thursday’s close of 1,722.19. The benchmark index opened 2.33 points weaker at 1,719.86, and moved between 1,719.56 and 1,735.67 throughout the day. On the broader market, decliners led gainers 690 to 413, while 550 counters were unchanged, 1,082 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover eased to 3.44 billion units valued at RM3.04 billion from 3.68 billion units valued at RM2.80 billion on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index closed lower as investors locked in profits following three consecutive sessions of gains, with banking and oil and gas counters leading the decline. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 6.18 points, or 0.36 per cent, to close at 1,713.76 from Tuesday’s close of 1,719.94. The benchmark index opened 0.72 of a point higher at 1,720.66, and moved between 1,712.88 and 1,724.83. On the broader market, gainers led losers 590 to 475, while 604 counters were unchanged, 1,034 untraded, and 11 suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.07 billion units valued at RM2.84 billion from 3.52 billion units valued at RM2.75 billion on Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its rally to close more than one per cent higher on Tuesday, lifted by strong buying interest in oil and gas as well as banking counters as investors positioned for potentially firmer energy prices following renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) surged 21.50 points, or 1.26 per cent, to close at its intraday high of 1,719.94 from Monday’s close of 1,698.44. The benchmark index opened 1.25 points higher at 1,699.69, and slid to its intraday low of 1,698.21 in the early session. On the broader market, losers led gainers 548 to 538, while 585 counters were unchanged, 1,031 untraded, and 22 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.52 billion units valued at RM2.75 billion from 3.09 billion units valued at RM2.23 billion on Monday.

 KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Thursday as renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia weighed on investor sentiment. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 5.97 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 1,677.64 from Wednesday's close of 1,683.61. The benchmark index opened 2.62 points lower at 1,680.99, and moved between 1,676.18 and 1,683.80 throughout the session. However, market breadth was slightly positive, with gainers leading losers 533 to 504, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,112 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover slipped to 2.64 billion units valued at RM2.19 billion from 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.18 billion on Wednesday.

Key Takeaways Renewed US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude briefly above US$80 , reigniting concerns over global energy supplies. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street avoided a sharp sell-off , suggesting investors believe the conflict remains manageable for now. Higher oil prices have revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike , as markets worry about renewed inflation. Technology stocks remained relatively resilient , showing that AI continues to provide underlying support for equities. The next move in oil prices could determine whether market volatility returns. Market Insight When news broke that the  US had launched fresh strikes on Iran , investors immediately rushed into the oil market. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$80 a barrel , as fears grew that escalating tensions could disrupt supplies through the  Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Yet the reaction in equities was far more measured. Although the  S...

Key Takeaways Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is widely expected to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%,  but markets are increasingly looking for signals of a rate hike later this year. Malaysia's stronger-than-expected economic growth, driven partly by the AI boom, is reducing the need for accommodative monetary policy. Stable inflation and fuel subsidies have given BNM room to remain patient , unlike several regional central banks that have already tightened policy. The tone of BNM's policy statement may matter more than the rate decision itself. A stronger economy could eventually outweigh concerns over supporting growth, paving the way for policy normalization. Market Insight When  Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)  announces its interest rate decision, most investors expect  no change . The bigger question isn't  whether rates stay at 2.75% —it's  what BNM says next. After holding rates steady for a year, the central bank could begin preparing markets f...

Key Takeaways SK Hynix's US listing is more than seven times oversubscribed , highlighting continued institutional confidence despite recent volatility in AI stocks. The US$24.5 billion offering could become the second-largest US IPO by a foreign company , behind Alibaba's 2014 listing. The strong demand suggests investors remain bullish on the long-term AI semiconductor story , even after recent corrections. Institutional investors appear to be viewing the recent pullback as a buying opportunity rather than the end of the AI cycle. The success of this IPO could become an important gauge of global appetite for AI-related investments. Market Insight Over the past two weeks, AI-related stocks have experienced one of their sharpest pullbacks this year. SK Hynix  has fallen around  30% from its record high , while semiconductor stocks globally have come under pressure as investors questioned whether AI-related spending could continue at its current pace. Yet behind the scenes, a v...

Key Takeaways South Korea's heavy exposure to semiconductor giants makes its stock market highly sensitive to shifts in AI sentiment. Investors are becoming more selective , focusing on whether massive AI-related capital spending can generate sustainable long-term returns. The recent correction suggests markets are moving from AI excitement to AI execution , where future earnings matter more than optimistic expectations. Despite the pullback, the Kospi remains the world's best-performing major stock market this year. The next phase of the AI trade will depend on sustained demand, not just strong chip prices. Market Insight South Korea has been one of the biggest winners of the global AI boom. Powered by semiconductor leaders  Samsung Electronics  and  SK Hynix , the  Kospi  more than doubled at one point this year as investors poured into AI-related stocks. Now, that rally is facing its biggest test. The  Kospi  has fallen around  20% from its rec...

Key Takeaways Oil prices surged after fresh US airstrikes on Iran , raising concerns over global energy supplies. Asian stock markets remained relatively resilient , suggesting investors believe the geopolitical disruption is manageable for now. Markets are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz , a critical shipping route for global oil exports. Higher oil prices could reignite inflation concerns , potentially affecting central bank interest rate decisions. The market's calm response may change quickly if the conflict escalates further. Market Insight Fresh  US airstrikes on Iran  sent  Brent crude  up more than  2% , yet the reaction across equity markets was surprisingly muted. Normally, a military escalation in the Middle East would trigger broad selling across global equities. Instead,  Asian stocks were largely unchanged , while  US stock futures even edged slightly higher  after an initial bout of volatility. So why did oil jump while stocks...

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Tuesday as investors engaged in mild profit-taking following the recent rebound in the local market, in line with softer performances across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.60 of a point to 1,682.93 from Monday’s close of 1,683.53. The benchmark index opened 0.11 of a point lower at 1,683.42 and moved between 1,676.94 and 1,684.19 throughout the session. The market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 577 to 410, while 573 counters were unchanged, 1,091 untraded, and 12 suspended. Turnover edged up to 2.69 billion units valued at RM2.06 billion from 2.68 billion units valued at RM1.69 billion on Monday.

Key Takeaways A single statement from Nvidia "our road map is intact" helped restore confidence across global AI stocks. Technology shares rebounded , with the Nasdaq 100 rising 1.3% as investors viewed Nvidia's comments as reassurance that AI spending remains on track. The AI investment story is shifting from valuation concerns to earnings sustainability. Investors are closely watching upcoming earnings from Samsung and AI infrastructure companies  for confirmation that demand remains strong. The next phase of the AI rally will depend less on hype and more on continued capital spending and profit growth. Market Insight Sometimes, a single sentence can move billions of dollars. That was exactly what happened after  Nvidia  reassured investors that  "our road map is intact,"  responding to concerns over reports of delays involving AI server deployments. The comment quickly eased fears that the AI infrastructure boom might be slowing. Technology stocks rebounded a...

Key Takeaways Japan's latest 30-year bond auction attracted its strongest demand since 2019 , despite yields remaining near record highs. Higher yields have made long-term government bonds more attractive , encouraging institutional investors to return. The successful auction suggests investors see value , even as concerns over inflation, government spending and the weak yen persist. Bond yields remain a key indicator  for Japan's economy, monetary policy and financial markets. The auction may signal a turning point , with selling pressure in Japan's long-term bond market beginning to ease. Market Insight For months, investors have been selling  Japanese government bonds (JGBs)  as rising inflation, expanding government spending and expectations of further  Bank of Japan (BOJ)  policy tightening pushed yields sharply higher. This week, however, sentiment shifted. Japan's latest  30-year government bond auction  recorded its  strongest investor dem...

Key Takeaways Singapore's manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.3 , its highest level since  2018 , driven by strong AI-related semiconductor demand. Technology funding surged to S$3.78 billion in June , signalling growing investor confidence in Singapore's AI ecosystem. Wall Street's AI rally continued , providing a supportive backdrop for Singapore's technology and manufacturing sectors. AI is expanding beyond chipmaking , with nationwide workforce upskilling initiatives accelerating digital transformation. Singapore is emerging as a key beneficiary of the global AI investment cycle , supported by manufacturing, capital inflows and innovation. Market Insight While much of the world's attention remains on AI giants such as  NVIDIA ,  Microsoft  and  OpenAI , another beneficiary is quietly emerging —  Singapore . Recent economic data suggests the city-state is becoming one of Asia's biggest winners from the global artificial intelligence boom. From semiconductor ...

Key Takeaways Samsung delivered record quarterly earnings, yet its shares fell nearly 7% , showing that strong results alone are no longer enough to impress investors. Markets have already priced in the AI boom , shifting focus from headline earnings to whether exceptional profits can be sustained. Memory chip prices remain elevated , with shortages expected to continue through 2027, supporting near-term profitability. Investors are now asking what comes next , including pricing power, capacity expansion and long-term free cash flow. The AI story remains intact, but expectations have become much harder to beat. Market Insight When a company reports a  19-fold increase in operating profit , most investors would expect its share price to surge. Instead,  Samsung Electronics  fell as much as  6.8%  after announcing preliminary second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations. The reaction highlights an important investing lesson:  stocks move on expect...

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Monday, supported by renewed buying interest in banking and plantation counters. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.48 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 1,683.53 from Friday’s close of 1,679.05. The benchmark index opened 3.35 points higher at 1,682.40 and moved between 1,678.37 and 1,685.49 throughout the session. The market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 620 to 403, while 545 counters were unchanged, 1,082 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover decreased to 2.68 billion units valued at RM1.69 billion from 2.79 billion units valued at RM1.93 billion last Friday.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended Friday’s trade with a bounce on the back of a rally in banking stocks as investor sentiment improved following softer-than-expected US labour market data. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the recovery in heavyweight financial counters provided the main support for the benchmark index, reflecting increased risk appetite after concerns over further US monetary tightening eased. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) jumped 17.22 points to 1,679.05 from Thursday's close of 1,661.83. The benchmark index opened 3.90 points higher at 1,665.73 and moved between 1,662.91 and 1,682.62 throughout the session. The market breadth was positive, with gainers trouncing decliners 633 to 372, while 533 counters were unchanged, 1,112 untraded, and 12 suspended.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its gains to close higher today, supported by strength in telecommunications stocks and a rebound in heavyweight banking counters, which kept the benchmark index in positive territory despite cautious overall market sentiment. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said investor sentiment remained guarded as market participants awaited key US labour market data for fresh signals on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction, while continuing to monitor developments in West Asia for potential geopolitical risks.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 5.0 points, or 0.30 per cent, to 1,661.83 from Wednesday's close of 1,656.83. The benchmark index opened 1.99 points higher at 1,658.82 and moved between 1,657.77 and 1,666.26 throughout the session.

Key Takeaways FBM KLCI rose 0.3% to 1,661.83 , recovering modestly despite broad-based weakness across the broader market. Financials, telecommunications and selected blue chips  supported the benchmark, while technology stocks faced profit-taking. Market breadth remained negative , with  642 decliners versus 425 gainers , suggesting investor sentiment stayed cautious. Technology counters including ViTrox, Kelington and UMS  were among the biggest value losers despite strong year-to-date gains. The ringgit strengthened further against the US dollar , providing support to Malaysia's macro outlook. Market Overview Bursa Malaysia ended Thursday on a firmer note, with the  FBM KLCI gaining 0.3% to 1,661.83 , as buying in heavyweight financial, telecommunications and plantation stocks offset weakness in the technology sector. Despite the benchmark's advance, overall market participation remained cautious. Declining stocks significantly outnumbered gainers, indicating inve...

Key Takeaways SpaceX's stock market excitement isn't reflected in its bond market pricing. Although rated investment-grade (BBB), SpaceX's bonds trade more like high-yield (junk) debt. Bond investors are demanding higher returns , signalling greater concerns over long-term financial risk. The gap highlights the difference between growth investing and credit investing. Watching the bond market can provide valuable clues about risks that equity investors may overlook. Market Insight Since its blockbuster public listing,  SpaceX  has become one of the world's most valuable companies, attracting enormous enthusiasm from equity investors. Its shares have commanded premium valuations as investors bet on the company's long-term ambitions in space exploration, satellite communications and next-generation technologies. However, beneath the optimism, the  bond market is telling a different story . While major credit rating agencies assign  investment-grade (BBB)  ratings ...

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index fell 0.43 per cent to close at its intraday low, reversing earlier gains as a wave of late-session selling erased the day's advances. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the index traded in positive territory for much of the day before profit-taking intensified in the final minutes, reflecting investors’ cautious stance amid a lack of fresh market catalysts. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 7.23 points to 1,656.83 from Tuesday's close of 1,664.06. The benchmark index opened 1.29 points higher at 1,665.35 and climbed to an intraday high of 1,670.99 in the mid-morning session, before losing momentum in the final 10 minutes, dragging the index to its session low at the close. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering decliners 526 to 448, while 559 counters were unchanged, 1,088 untraded, and 14 suspended.

Key Takeaways The S&P 500 delivered its strongest quarterly performance since 2020 , adding more than  US$8 trillion  in market value over the past three months. Technology and semiconductor stocks led the rally , with chipmakers recording their best quarter on record as AI-driven demand remained robust. Resilient US economic data  reinforced optimism that corporate earnings can continue supporting elevated equity valuations. Lower oil prices and easing Middle East tensions  improved investor sentiment, while analysts expect any market pullback to be a pause rather than the end of the bull market. Large-cap AI leaders and mid-cap cyclical stocks  remain among analysts' preferred investment themes. Market Overview US equities finished the second quarter on a strong note, extending one of the market's most remarkable recoveries in recent years. The  S&P 500  completed its  best quarterly performance since 2020 , while the  Nasdaq 100 ...

Key Takeaways The Japanese yen has fallen to its weakest level since 1986 , despite rising domestic bond yields, breaking a long-standing market relationship. Mizuho believes traditional interest rate models are no longer reliable  for forecasting the yen's direction in the current environment. Markets are watching the 163 yen-per-US dollar level , with expectations that Japanese authorities may tolerate further weakness before intervening. Changes in global capital flows and hedging behaviour  are becoming more influential than interest rate differentials. A weaker yen supports Japanese exporters but increases inflationary pressure  through higher import costs. Market Overview The  Japanese yen  continues to trade near its weakest level in four decades, prompting market participants to reassess one of the most widely used methods for forecasting currency movements. According to  Mizuho Bank , the traditional relationship between  Japan-US interest rat...