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.
Quick Summary Coca-Cola issued a 2026 sales outlook that slightly missed market expectations , sending shares lower despite continued strength in zero-sugar products. What Happened Coca-Cola guided for organic sales growth of 4%–5% in 2026 Street expectation: ~ 5.01% , putting the lower end below estimates Shares fell up to 4.1% in premarket trading Key Points to Watch 2026 sales outlook disappointed on the lower end of guidance Zero-sugar products remain the growth engine , but not enough to fully lift sentiment Policy and regulatory pressure is emerging as a new overhang Zero-Sugar Still the Bright Spot Coca-Cola continues to benefit from shifting consumer preferences: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar: +14% growth in 2025 Diet Coke: +2% in Q4, flat for the full year Demand for full-sugar sodas continues to decline , while sugar-free, sports drinks, and water gain share This reinforces Coca-Cola’s long-term strategy to diversify be...