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.
Heineken NV will eliminate 5,000 to 6,000 jobs over the next two years as the world’s second-largest brewer battles declining beer consumption in key markets. Why the Cuts? Total volumes fell 1.2% in 2025 Weak demand in US and Europe Consumers cutting alcohol intake for: Health reasons Cost-of-living pressures Heineken, which produces brands such as Tecate and Amstel , said the job reductions are part of a broader cost-cutting effort . The restructuring reflects structural shifts in drinking habits, not just cyclical weakness. Industry Pressure Mounting Brewers globally are facing: A long-term trend toward lower alcohol consumption Growth in non-alcoholic alternatives Inflation squeezing discretionary spending For Heineken, this comes amid a leadership transition. CEO Dolf van den Brink recently announced he will step down after six years in the role. Market Takeaway Cost discipline becomes central as volume growth ...