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.
BOT’s Unexpected Move Spurs Market Rally The Bank of Thailand (BOT) cut its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points , surprising economists. The move aims to support economic growth and weaken the baht to boost exports. 16 out of 26 economists in a Reuters poll had expected no change in policy. Market Reactions Thai stocks jumped 2% , rebounding after two consecutive sessions of losses. The baht remained flat , despite expectations of further rate cuts later this year. Other Asian markets gained : Philippines (+1.3%) Malaysia (+1.2%) China (+1%) Regional Currency Movements Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah fell 0.2% . Taiwan dollar traded flat after Taiwan revised down its 2025 GDP forecast to 3.14% from 3.29% . US dollar index gained 0.3% , recovering from an 11-week low. Outlook & Future Risks Analysts expect one or two more rate cuts if the US imposes tariffs on Thailand or if global growth slows. BOT ...