KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended the first half of the 2026 trading year on a softer note, following a range-bound trading session as investors remained cautious amid the lack of fresh domestic catalysts. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said regional equities finished broadly higher, supported by stronger-than-expected business activity data from China and continued strength in technology stocks. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.85 points to 1,664.06 from Monday’s close of 1,665.91. The index opened 1.37 points higher at 1,667.28 and fluctuated between an intraday low of 1,661.80 and a high of 1,669.88 throughout the day. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering decliners 562 to 415, while 589 counters were unchanged, 1,124 untraded, and 79 suspended.
Asian equities and currencies staged a sharp rebound as a US-Iran ceasefire boosted risk appetite and eased pressure from elevated oil prices. Equities Rally Across Emerging Asia The MSCI Emerging Asia Index jumped 5% , reaching a three-week high , while broader emerging-market equities rose 4% globally . Regional markets posted strong gains: South Korea: +7% Taiwan: +4.5% Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines): +1% to 3% The rally reflects renewed optimism after Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran , reducing immediate geopolitical risks. Oil Drop Eases Pressure on Import-Dependent Economies Crude prices fell below US$100 per barrel , providing relief to oil-importing Asian economies that had been hit by rising energy costs. Lower oil prices are expected to: Reduce inflationary pressure Support consumer spending and growth Improve trade ...