KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher, buoyed by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent, alongside positive cues from Wall Street. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 19.30 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 1,635.86 from Wednesday’s close of 1,616.56. The benchmark index opened 6.72 points higher at 1,623.28, and fluctuated between an intraday high of 1,642.44 and a low of 1,622.62 during the trading session. However, market breadth was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers 723 to 497, while 466 counters were unchanged, 1,075 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 3.74 billion units valued at RM3.61 billion compared with yesterday’s 2.81 billion units valued at RM2.57 billion.
Profit Trails Consensus; Analysts Turn Cautious Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (KL:F&N) shares dropped nearly 3% to RM27.90, a two-month low, after its third-quarter net profit came in at only 68% of consensus full-year estimates , prompting analysts to temper expectations. The miss has ended the stock’s streak of unanimous ‘buy’ calls, with CIMB Securities downgrading to ‘hold’ citing muted earnings prospects and stretched valuations after a six-month rally. Key Factors Driving Sentiment Earnings Miss: Weaker international sales dragged results below forecasts. Valuation Concerns: Recent price gains have priced in its defensive business model. Guidance: Analysts expect a “flattish” 4Q on softer exports despite stronger Malaysian margins. Stock Performance Price: Fell 72 sen to RM27.90, lowest since June 11. Year-to-Date: Up ~15% since February, outperforming the broader market amid tariff headwinds. Analyst Views Split Five of six re...