KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Wednesday on bargain hunting following the recent sell-off, ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) overnight policy rate (OPR) decision on Thursday. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 8.20 points 1,708.74, compared with Tuesday’s close of 1,700.54. The benchmark index opened 0.42 of a point better at 1,700.96 and fluctuated between 1,695.89 and 1,709.71 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers trounced gainers 746 to 424, while 554 counters were unchanged, 1,048 untraded and 17 suspended. Turnover declined to 4.20 billion units valued at RM3.52 billion from 5.52 billion units valued at RM4.42 billion on Tuesday.
Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd reported a modest improvement in 2QFY2026 earnings, supported by loan growth and cost discipline, despite margin compression and higher impairment charges. Net profit for the quarter rose 7% year-on-year to RM899.3 million. The group declared an interim dividend of 22 sen per share , up 10% from last year. For 1HFY2026, net profit increased 3.2% to RM1.74 billion. Key Financial Metrics 2QFY2026: Net profit: RM899.3 million (+7%) Revenue: RM1.92 billion (+3.2%) Interim dividend: 22 sen 1HFY2026: Net profit: RM1.74 billion (+3.2%) Revenue: RM3.86 billion Operational highlights: Gross loans growth: +8.2% YoY to RM215.7 billion Domestic loan growth: +8.3% (vs industry 4.9%) Net interest margin: 1.83% CASA growth: +12.1% to RM79.6 billion Cost-to-income ratio: improved to 35.9% Gross impaired loans ratio: 0.59% CET1 ratio: 12.6% Annualised ROE: 10.7% Book value per share: RM29.16 Money Master Take HLFG’s quarter reflects operational stability rather...