KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower on the final trading day of the week, weighed down by the plantation sector as investors locked in gains following its recent strong performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 7.03 points 1,708.10, compared with yesterday’s close of 1,715.13. The benchmark index opened 1.39 points lower at 1,713.74 and fluctuated between 1,704.86 and 1,715.20 throughout the day. The broader market was negative with losers outnumbering gainers 568 to 523, while 596 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.33 billion units valued at RM2.98 billion from 3.90 billion units valued at RM3.21 billion on Thursday.
Malaysia’s central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged , as inflation remains relatively muted despite rising global energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Rate Pause Expected Amid Stable Inflation Bank Negara Malaysia is widely expected to hold the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% , according to economists surveyed. Last rate move: 25bps cut in July 2025 Policy stance: wait-and-see amid global uncertainty This contrasts with some regional peers that are considering policy tightening due to stronger inflation pressures. Inflation Still Within Manageable Range Malaysia’s inflation remains contained compared to regional economies : CPI: 1.7% (March) vs 1.4% in February Still within the central bank’s 2026 forecast range By comparison: Philippines: 7.2% inflation Vietnam: 5.46% inflation The relatively low inflation gives policymakers room to delay tightening . Strong Ringgit...