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KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed marginally lower on Friday, as cautious sentiment persisted, with investors remaining on the sidelines amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 2.80 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 1,695.50 from Thursday’s close of 1,698.30. The benchmark index opened 5.82 points higher at 1,704.12, and moved between 1,693.65 and 1,708.12 throughout the day.  However, market breadth remained positive, with gainers outnumbering losers 634 to 415, while 521 counters were unchanged, 1,077 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.38 billion units worth RM2.95 billion from yesterday’s 3.20 billion units worth RM3.50 billion.   

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia reversed yesterday's gains to close lower on Thursday, with the key index settling off its lows, as optimism over a swift end to the West Asia conflict faded sharply following US President Donald Trump's speech this morning, which fuelled global risk-off sentiment.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 10.60 points, or 0.62 per cent, to 1,698.30 from Wednesday's close of 1,708.90. The benchmark index opened 3.14 points firmer at 1,712.04, and moved between 1,688.89 and 1,712.80 throughout the day. Market breadth was negative with 744 losers outpacing 374 gainers, while 436 counters were unchanged, 1,094 untraded, and 11 suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.20 billion units worth RM3.50 billion from yesterday’s 3.58 billion units worth RM3.56 billion. 

Global fuel markets are tightening rapidly as  diesel prices spike to multi-year highs , reflecting severe supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Diesel Futures Hit Highest Since 2022 European diesel futures surged to  $1,493 per ton (above $200 per barrel) , rising as much as  9.4% , marking the  highest level since 2022 . The rally highlights growing concerns that  fuel shortages could emerge in the coming weeks , particularly if disruptions persist. Strait of Hormuz Disruption Chokes Supply The sharp price increase is largely driven by the  near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz , a critical global energy artery. Flows of  refined fuels like diesel are heavily constrained Crude supply disruptions  are forcing refiners to reduce output Global trade routes are being rerouted, increasing  transport time and costs This has triggered a scramble among traders to secure supply, with shipments being diverted across longer an...

Japanese equities are facing mounting pressure as  foreign investors accelerate selling , reflecting rising concerns over the economic fallout from escalating geopolitical tensions. Heavy Foreign Outflows Signal Growing Caution Overseas investors sold a net  ¥1.51 trillion (US$9.5 billion)  worth of Japanese equities in the week ended March 27, according to data from the Japan Exchange Group. This marks the  largest weekly outflow since September 2024  and the  third consecutive week of net selling , reversing earlier strong inflows. The selloff highlights a sharp shift in sentiment as investors reassess exposure to Asia amid rising global uncertainty. Sharp Market Correction After Strong Start Japan’s equity market has seen a rapid reversal: Both the  Topix and Nikkei 225  fell  over 11% in March , marking the  worst monthly performance since 2008 The  Nikkei 225  has  underperformed US markets by ~6 percentage points ...

Asian equities fell sharply after renewed geopolitical concerns, but an unusual signal from South Korea suggests  market volatility may be stabilising despite the selloff . Regional Stocks Retreat as War Fears Resurface The  MSCI Asia Pacific Index dropped as much as 2.6% , as hopes for a quick resolution to the Middle East conflict faded following remarks by  Donald Trump . South Korea was hit particularly hard: Kospi Index fell 4.5% , its steepest drop in over a week Trading volume surged  15% above the 30-day average , indicating strong selling pressure The decline reflects broader  risk-off sentiment across global markets , driven by escalating geopolitical uncertainty. Volatility Falls — A Contrarian Signal Despite the equity selloff, a key market signal offered a more constructive outlook. The  Kospi 200 Volatility Index declined , even as stocks dropped — a  rare divergence  that suggests  options traders expect calmer conditions ahead...

Intel (INTC.US)  surged over  10% intraday , after announcing a  US$14.2 billion deal  to regain full control of a key semiconductor facility in Ireland, reinforcing its long-term  AI-driven manufacturing strategy . Strategic Buyback to Strengthen AI Capacity Intel will acquire the remaining  49% stake in Fab 34  from  Apollo Global Management , taking full ownership of the advanced chip manufacturing plant. The facility is critical to Intel’s roadmap, producing chips based on  Intel 4 and Intel 3 process technologies , including  Core Ultra and Xeon 6 processors , which are central to  AI and high-performance computing demand . The move signals Intel’s intent to  tighten control over strategic assets  as it scales up production capacity to compete in the global AI race. Financial Impact: Short-Term Debt, Long-Term Gains The transaction will be funded through: Cash reserves (~US$14.3 billion) Approximately  US$6.5 bil...

The Trump administration is preparing a major overhaul of US  steel and aluminum tariffs , with changes that could  raise effective costs for importers  while simplifying compliance for manufacturers. Shift to Simpler but Broader Tariff Structure Under the proposed changes, finished goods containing steel and aluminum will face a  25% tariff on the full product value , replacing the current system. Previously, tariffs of up to  50% applied only to the metal content  within a product. The new approach simplifies calculation but  broadens the taxable base , potentially increasing overall duties. Commodity-grade metals will still face  50% tariffs , maintaining strong protection for domestic producers. The policy is being driven by  Donald Trump ’s push to  reshore manufacturing and strengthen domestic industry . Higher Costs Despite Lower Headline Rates While the headline tariff rate appears lower, the impact is likely the opposite. By app...

Cryptocurrencies fell sharply alongside global equities as renewed geopolitical tensions triggered a  risk-off shift across markets , reversing recent optimism. Crypto Slides as Geopolitical Risks Intensify Bitcoin  dropped  as much as 2.8% to below US$66,300  during Asian trading, while broader crypto markets saw deeper losses: Ethereum  fell up to  4.7% Solana  declined  5.1% The selloff followed comments from  Donald Trump  indicating  more aggressive military action against Iran , dampening earlier hopes of a near-term resolution. Risk Assets Retreat, Oil Surges The renewed escalation sparked a broad retreat from risk assets: MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 1.7% , reversing recent gains Brent crude surged over 5% to above US$106 per barrel , reflecting heightened supply concerns Markets have been increasingly sensitive to geopolitical developments, with asset prices  whipsawing in response to headlines . Bitcoin Tracks Equitie...

Global bond markets came under pressure as  rising oil prices and prolonged geopolitical tensions  pushed yields higher, forcing investors to reassess expectations for monetary easing. Yields Jump as Inflation Risks Intensify The  US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.376% , rising  5 basis points , while the  2-year yield increased to 3.856% , reflecting heightened concern over inflation. The move follows comments from  Donald Trump , which offered  little clarity on ending the Gulf conflict  and no commitment to reopening the  Strait of Hormuz , a critical global energy route. Oil Surge Drives Market Repricing Oil prices reacted sharply, with  Brent crude jumping 6% , amplifying fears of sustained inflation. The disruption to the  Strait of Hormuz  has created bottlenecks across global supply chains, affecting a wide range of industries including: Fuel and energy products Chemicals and fertilisers Pharmaceuticals and constru...

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher on Wednesday, with the key index rising 1.10 per cent, in line with firm gains across regional markets following a strong rally on Wall Street overnight, said an analyst.  IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the improvement in sentiment was underpinned by easing geopolitical concerns and a decline in oil prices.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increase 18.54 points or 1.10 per cent to 1,708.90 from Tuesday’s close of 1,690.36. The benchmark index opened 25.58 points higher at 1,715.94, marking its intraday high, and hit a low of 1,700.20 during the mid-morning session. The broader market was positive, with gainers leading decliners 780 to 444. A total of 475 counters were unchanged, 926 untraded and 11 suspended.

Singapore is exploring plans to expand its gold storage capacity as it seeks to position itself as a  major global bullion trading hub , targeting central bank reserves and institutional flows. Strategic Push Into Bullion Market Authorities are evaluating potential sites — including areas near  Changi Airport  — to enhance  vaulting infrastructure for gold storage , according to sources familiar with the discussions. The  Monetary Authority of Singapore  confirmed it is  considering the use of existing facilities for gold vaulting , though it stopped short of confirming expansion plans. The move aligns with Singapore’s broader ambition to strengthen its role in  precious metals trading and financial services . Targeting Central Banks and Institutional Demand A key objective is to attract  central banks , which collectively hold around  39,000 tonnes of gold , accounting for roughly  18% of global supply , according to the World Gold...

US equities staged a strong rebound at the end of March, driven by  falling oil prices and growing optimism that the Middle East conflict may be nearing an end . Stocks Surge as Risk Sentiment Improves The  S&P 500 Index  jumped  2.9% , while the  Nasdaq Composite Index  surged  3.8% , marking the  largest rally since May . The rebound reflects a shift in sentiment after weeks of volatility, as investors begin to price in a  potential diplomatic resolution  to the conflict. Cyclical sectors led gains: Airline stocks rallied sharply , benefiting from lower fuel costs Energy stocks declined , tracking the pullback in oil prices Oil Falls, Easing Inflation Concerns Oil prices retreated from recent highs, with  US crude falling to around US$101 per barrel , helping ease fears of prolonged inflation pressure. The decline extended gains in  Treasuries , while the  US dollar weakened  and  gold prices rose , indicat...

Manufacturing activity across Asia remained in  expansion territory in March , but signs of  slowing momentum are emerging  as rising energy prices from the Middle East conflict begin to weigh on the region. Growth Holds, but Momentum Weakens S&P Global data showed that several economies, including  South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand , recorded improved factory activity. Thailand led the region with a  PMI of 54.1 Malaysia returned to  expansion after a prior contraction South Korea also showed  strong improvement However, the broader  ASEAN Manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.8 , down from  February’s 53.8 , marking the  slowest pace of expansion since September . While still above the  50-point threshold , the data highlights a  clear loss of growth momentum . War-Driven Energy Shock Weighs on Industry The slowdown comes as the  US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupts energy markets , particularly via the  Strait of ...

Singapore equities opened higher on Wednesday, tracking a strong global rebound as  optimism over a potential end to the Iran conflict  lifted investor sentiment. STI Climbs as Risk Appetite Returns The  FTSE Singapore Straits Time Index  rose  1.51% to 4,959.12 , with  broad-based buying  across the market. Advancers outpaced decliners 165 to 20 Trading volume reached  61.7 million shares (S$144 million) The rally follows strong gains on Wall Street, signalling  renewed risk appetite  across global markets. Wall Street Surges on Iran De-escalation Signals US equities rallied sharply overnight as Iran signaled willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict. S&P 500 Index  +2.9% Nasdaq Composite Index  +3.8% Dow Jones Industrial Average  +2.5% Mega-cap tech stocks led gains, including: Meta Platforms (META.US)  +6.7% NVIDIA (NVDA.US)  +5.6% Alphabet-A (GOOGL.US)  +5.1% The rally reflects  market opt...

Asian markets surged at the start of April as  hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East  boosted risk sentiment, while strong economic data from North Asia added further support. Equities Rally on War De-escalation Signals The  MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index jumped 2.7% , snapping a four-day losing streak as investors reacted to signs that the  US-Iran conflict may be nearing a resolution . US President  Donald Trump  indicated that military operations could  end within two to three weeks , improving market sentiment despite ongoing hostilities. Regional markets responded strongly: South Korea’s Kospi surged up to 5.5% Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed as much as 3.9% The rebound followed a strong session on Wall Street, where the  S&P 500 rallied 2.9% , reflecting global optimism over a potential diplomatic path forward. Korea’s Data Surprise Fuels Tech-Led Gains South Korea led regional gains, supported by  robust economic da...