KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower on the final trading day of the week, weighed down by the plantation sector as investors locked in gains following its recent strong performance. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 7.03 points 1,708.10, compared with yesterday’s close of 1,715.13. The benchmark index opened 1.39 points lower at 1,713.74 and fluctuated between 1,704.86 and 1,715.20 throughout the day. The broader market was negative with losers outnumbering gainers 568 to 523, while 596 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.33 billion units valued at RM2.98 billion from 3.90 billion units valued at RM3.21 billion on Thursday.
Singapore’s core inflation rose more than expected in October, reversing September’s sharp cooldown and signalling that underlying price pressures may not be easing as quickly as thought. Core prices—watched closely by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)—climbed 1.2% year-on-year , up from 0.4% in September , driven by firmer increases in services, food, and retail goods. On a month-on-month basis, core inflation rose 0.5% , the fastest pace in several months. Headline CPI-All Items also picked up to 1.2% YoY , from 0.7% previously, pushed higher by rising private transport costs and the rebound in core inflation. What’s Driving the Rebound • Services inflation strengthened — primarily due to higher health insurance premiums, healthcare costs, and travel-related expenses. • Food inflation edged higher , lifted by non-cooked food. • Retail & other goods prices rose, with increases in clothing, footwear, and personal accessor...