KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.
Booking Holdings Inc. says inflation continues to weigh on US travel demand , with cost-conscious consumers delaying vacation planning and opting for budget options, CFO Ewout Steenbergen revealed. Key Points: US Consumer Behavior Booking windows remain short in the US, indicating consumers are waiting longer to commit to trips due to economic pressure . Luxury travel demand remains resilient, but lower-income groups are trading down to budget hotels or shortening their trips. Europe Shows Stronger Demand European travelers are booking trips earlier for events like February skiing and Easter vacations , contributing to steady demand . Steenbergen expects US trends to improve as inflation eases and consumers prioritize short getaways over other discretionary spending like new clothes. Travel Industry Moderation Post-pandemic travel growth has cooled, with US demand slower compared ...