KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday, even as utilities, healthcare, and financial services sectors saw increased buying interest following the release of Malaysia’s second-quarter (2Q) gross domestic product (GDP) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 7.32 points to 1,727.39 compared with Thursday’s close of 1,734.71. The benchmark index opened 0.01 of a point higher at 1,734.72 and fluctuated between 1,726.77 and 1,734.72 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers trounced gainers 619 to 538, while 554 counters were unchanged, 1,117 untraded and 29 suspended. Turnover eased to 3.50 billion units valued at RM2.59 billion from 3.51 billion units valued at RM3.05 billion on Thursday. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said FBM KLCI closed lower despite Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected 6.0 per cent GDP growth in 2Q 2026, underscoring the market’s forward-looki...
The US and Taiwan have sealed a landmark trade agreement that strengthens America’s semiconductor ambitions while easing trade barriers for Taiwanese exporters — with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co at the centre of the deal. Under the agreement, Taiwan pledged US$250 billion in US investments , led by TSMC’s plan to expand its semiconductor manufacturing cluster in Arizona . In return, the US will cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20% and grant exemptions to Taiwanese chipmakers that commit to expanding production on American soil. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to onshore critical industries , reduce reliance on overseas supply chains, and de-escalate tariff tensions without derailing economic growth. It also builds on recent trade progress with partners such as the European Union, Japan, and China. TSMC’s dominance in advanced chip manufacturing makes this deal strategically s...