KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
Sector Outlook: OVERWEIGHT Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) maintains an OVERWEIGHT rating on Malaysia’s consumer sector, citing supportive macroeconomic fundamentals and easing cost pressures that are expected to drive earnings recovery in 2H25 , despite the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST). Key Calls and Target Prices Stock Call Target Price (RM) 99SMART (5326) BUY 2.98 AEON (6599) BUY 1.82 FOCUSP (0157) BUY 1.10 NESTLE (4707) HOLD 78.00 ORIENT (4006) HOLD 0.76 BJFOOD (5196) SELL 0.21 PWROOT (7237) SELL 10.77 Why the Optimism? 1. Cost Relief on Commodities Prices for sugar, wheat, coffee, and palm oil have stabilized or declined. Companies like Nestle and Mr DIY have already recorded margin improvements from lower input and inventory costs. The strengthening Ringgit (target RM4.10/USD by year-end) enhances import efficiency, especially for retailers. 2. Labour Market & Fiscal Support Unemployment remains low ...