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.
U.S. airline stocks surged in afternoon trading after Southwest Airlines (LUV) and American Airlines (AAL) raised their fourth-quarter earnings forecasts , signaling optimism in the travel sector. Key Stock Movements Southwest Airlines (LUV): Up 2.7% , now forecasting Q4 revenue per available seat mile (RASM) to rise 5.5%–7% , up from the earlier estimate of 3.5%–5.5% . American Airlines (AAL): Jumped 16% , revising its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) outlook to $0.55–$0.75 , compared to its earlier range of $0.25–$0.50 . Broader Airline Sector Performance Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Airlines (UAL), Alaska Air Group (ALK): Shares rose between 1.5% and 4% in morning trading. S&P 1500 Airlines Index: Climbed 3% , reaching its highest level since June 2021 . JetBlue's Forecast JetBlue Airways (JBLU): Revised its 2024 revenue outlook with a smaller dip expected as domestic travel demand rebounds. Despite the update, JetBlue’s stock fell 0.98% as of 1:19 p.m. ET. Mark...