KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Monday amid selling activity as the market lacked fresh catalysts to spur investors’ buying interest, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.60 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 1,670.02, from Friday’s close of 1,671.62. The benchmark index, which opened 0.93 of-a-point higher at 1,672.55, moved between 1,668.61 and 1,674.11 throughout the trading session. Market breadth was negative as losers surpassed gainers 748 to 388, while 517 counters were unchanged, 1,271 untraded and 91 suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.11 billion units worth RM2.40 billion from 4.07 billion units valued at RM2.69 billion on Friday.
Key Highlights: Overall Decline : US industrial production dropped 0.1% in November, marking the third consecutive monthly decline , against expectations of a 0.3% rise. Weaker Segments : Utilities : Output fell the most in four months . Mining : Recorded the largest decline since May . Manufacturing : Increased 0.2% , but below expectations, following a revised 0.7% decline in October. Sector Analysis Aerospace Equipment : Despite the end of a Boeing machinists' strike, aircraft parts production fell , dragging down the sector. Utilities : Declines reflect lower seasonal demand and output volatility. Mining : Reduced extraction activities contributed to the weakest results since May. Why It Matters High Borrowing Costs : Companies continue to limit capital spending due to elevated interest rates. Export Challenges : A strong dollar and sluggish global markets are adding headwinds for US manufacturers. ...