KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close higher on Wednesday on selective buying of defensive stocks after a volatile trading session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said consumer products and services stocks lifted the key index higher, overcoming lingering geopolitical concerns. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.08 points to 1,715.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,712.48. The benchmark index, which opened 1.91 points higher at 1,714.39, moved between 1,710.79 and 1,720.59 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, gainers outstripped decliners 550 to 476, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,129 untraded, and 48 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.48 billion from 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion on Tuesday.
Key Forecasts Policy Rate : Riksbank expected to cut 50bps this year to 1.5% by November (vs. previous forecast of 1.75%). Growth Outlook : 2025 GDP revised down to 1.0% (from 1.5% prior). Growth seen accelerating to 2.3% in 2026 , easing to 2.2% in 2027 . Unemployment : Projected to decline gradually from 8.7% (2025) → 7.9% (2027) . Macro Context Exports hit : US tariff hikes weighing on Swedish exporters like Volvo Cars , delaying recovery momentum. Riksbank signal : Central bank has already hinted a cut from the current 2.0% rate before year-end remains “on the table.” Policy support needed : Swedbank stresses that stable growth requires both monetary and fiscal stimulus. Rate Path Outlook 2025 : Cut to 1.5% by Nov . 2026 : Rate held steady at 1.5% . 2027 : Modest hike back to 1.75% as economy stabilizes. Investor Takeaway Bonds : Lower rate path supportive for Swedish fixed income,...