KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended at its intraday low on Thursday as investor sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing foreign outflows, although the recent weakness may present bargain-hunting opportunities in fundamentally sound blue-chip counters. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 9.33 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 1,708.36, from yesterday’s close of 1,717.69. The benchmark index, which opened 3.74 points higher at 1,721.43, hit an intraday high of 1,722.50 in early trade before losing momentum for the rest of the day. Market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 656 to 508, while 565 counters were unchanged, 989 untraded and 32 suspended. Turnover fell to 3.49 billion units worth RM3.70 billion compared with 4.15 billion units worth RM4.29 billion on Wednesday.
Quick Summary Europe’s new car registrations fell 3.5% in January France and Germany led the decline EV sales rose 14% , plug-in hybrids jumped nearly 30% Chinese brands now account for ~11% of electrified car sales Overall Market: Growth Streak Ends European new-vehicle registrations dropped to 961,382 units in January , breaking a six-month growth streak, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Biggest drags: Germany (Europe’s largest car market, ~22% share) France Meanwhile: Sales rose in the UK and Italy Weak consumer confidence, high car prices and rising unemployment — especially in Germany — are weighing on demand. EVs Remain the Bright Spot Despite the broader decline, electrified vehicles continued gaining traction: Fully electric vehicles (EVs): +14% YoY Plug-in hybrids: +~30% YoY EV sales grew strongly in: Germany Italy Spain France In the UK, hybrid sales surged nearly 50%, though battery-only EVs remained flat. Key takeaway: ...