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.
The world’s debt surged by over $12 trillion in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching a record $323 trillion , according to a report by the Institute of International Finance (IIF) . The rise reflects increased borrowing fueled by falling borrowing costs and renewed investor risk appetite . Key Insights Debt Drivers and Projections Sovereign debt is expected to grow by one-third by 2028 , reaching nearly $130 trillion , driven by large government budget deficits. Emerging markets debt is nearing $105 trillion , or 245% of GDP , signaling elevated repayment risks. Debt-to-GDP Trends Global debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 326% , down from its pandemic peak but still historically high. Developed markets face the fastest rising debt service costs , exacerbating fiscal pressures. Environmental Costs Meeting global emission reduction targets could add an extra $38 trillion to global debt by 2028. Risks and Challenges Mini Boom-Bust Cycles : Rising trade tensions and supply-chain disr...