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.
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...