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.
Malaysia is expected to maintain its fiscal consolidation drive in Budget 2026 , even as the economy faces moderating growth, according to a preview by CIMB Treasury and Markets Research . Growth Outlook CIMB projects GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026 , down from its earlier 4.5% forecast, citing weaker external demand, softer consumption, and subdued investment sentiment in a post-Trump trade environment. Despite the slowdown, the government is expected to narrow the fiscal deficit to –3.6% of GDP from –3.8% in 2025, consistent with its long-term fiscal targets. Revenue and Expenditure Trends Revenue : Expected to rise 4% YoY to RM353.3 billion , supported by: Expanded sales and service tax (SST) E-invoicing rollout and tighter compliance Higher “sin taxes” Preparations for a gradual carbon tax from 2027, starting with the iron and steel sector Operating expenditure : Forecast to increase 3.9% to RM348.1 billion , partly due to...