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.
Asian markets showed resilience despite rising geopolitical tensions, with AI-driven momentum continuing to support equities , even as oil prices climbed on renewed Middle East hostilities. Oil Prices Rise Amid Renewed Conflict Crude oil extended gains as the US and Iran exchanged fire: Brent crude rose 1.3% to US$101.60 per barrel Energy markets remain sensitive to developments in the Strait of Hormuz , a key global supply route Despite the flare-up, both sides signaled limited escalation , keeping hopes alive for a negotiated resolution . Asian Stocks Slip Slightly but Hold Strong Weekly Gains The MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan Index dipped 0.8% , reflecting cautious sentiment. However, weekly performance remains robust: Kospi +12% (largest weekly gain since 2008) Taiex Index +6.9% Nikkei 225 +4.5% The rally has been fueled by strong demand for AI-related chips , particularly benefiting companies like Samsung...