KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
Spending to See Strong Growth BMI expects Malaysian consumer spending to rise 3.8% in 2025 to MYR930.7 billion , followed by 5.0% growth in 2026 reaching MYR977.3 billion . This rebound brings spending close to pre-Covid growth levels, supported by a healthier labour market and monetary easing. Low Inflation and Rate Cuts Support Demand Headline inflation is forecast to average 1.9% in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026 , providing households with stronger purchasing power. June 2025 inflation slowed to 1.1% YoY , the lowest since February 2021. Bank Negara Malaysia’s 25bps rate cut in July 2025 to 2.75% — the first in five years — is expected to ease borrowing costs and encourage spending. Another rate cut to 2.50% is projected by end-2026. Labour Market Strengthens Purchasing Power Unemployment remains low at 3.0% , its best level in a decade, and is forecast to average 3.1% over 2025–2026 . Comb...