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.
Global asset giant T. Rowe Price is bullish on Malaysia and Thailand bonds , citing potential for more rate cuts to drive returns—despite fading tailwinds from currency strength. Key Takeaways: Malaysia : After its first policy cut in 5 years, Bank Negara may continue to ease—making longer-dated bonds attractive Thailand : Persistent deflation supports Thai debt , especially medium-term bonds "Currency gains may slow, but local bond returns still look strong" — Leonard Kwan, Portfolio Manager, T. Rowe Price Year-to-Date Returns (Local Bonds): Thailand : +13.8% Malaysia : +10.2% What’s Driving This View? Slowing US rate cut hopes → Dollar rebound = less upside for FX Despite that, Ringgit & Baht still up >5% in 2025 Strong domestic demand & easing inflation in Southeast Asia boost bond appeal Strategy Shift Ahead? Kwan also favors Indonesian bonds , expecting 2-3 more cuts despite the...