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 Trump administration is nearing a trade deal with Taiwan that could lower US tariffs on Taiwanese goods and unlock a massive new wave of chip investment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) in the United States, according to Bloomberg. What’s on the Table Tariffs on Taiwanese imports could be cut to 15% from 20% , putting Taiwan on par with Japan and South Korea , which secured similar deals last year. In return, TSMC would commit to building at least four additional chip fabs in Arizona , on top of: Six fabs already announced Two advanced packaging facilities If finalised, the agreement could be announced as early as this month . Why This Is a Big Deal US Chip Investment Could Exceed US$100 Billion TSMC has already pledged up to US$165 billion for US manufacturing. With each fab costing over US$20 billion , the four new plants could push total incremental investmen...