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.
Global markets are shifting focus from inflation to growth risks , as escalating Middle East tensions push oil prices higher and raise concerns about a potential stagflationary environment . Oil Surge Raises Recession Concerns Brent crude climbed to US$116 per barrel , extending gains amid continued disruption in the Middle East. Analysts warn that if the conflict persists: Oil could surge toward US$200 per barrel in a worst-case scenario Prolonged supply disruption could trigger global economic slowdown The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key risk to global energy supply. Bond Markets Rally as Growth Fears Rise Government bonds strengthened as investors reassessed the economic outlook: US Treasury yields declined across the curve 2-year yield fell to 3.89% 10-year yield eased to ~4.39% Markets are now pricing in a lower probability of rate hikes , with expectations for tightening in 2026 reduced to 25% from 3...