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...
Malaysia’s market opened with mixed signals as strong global sentiment contrasts with local profit-taking , while the IMF upgraded the country’s 2026 GDP outlook , reinforcing medium-term optimism. Wall Street Gains on Easing Geopolitical Risks US markets closed mostly higher as optimism grew that the US-Iran conflict may be nearing an end : S&P 500 +0.8% Nasdaq Composite +1.59% Dow Jones Industrial Average -0.15% Technology stocks led gains, driven by continued AI enthusiasm and corporate developments : Tesla +7.6% on AI chip progress Oracle +4.2% on energy deal Lower geopolitical risks are expected to ease oil prices and inflation pressures , supporting equities. KLCI Slips on Profit-Taking in Heavyweights The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI edged 0.28% lower to 1,683.42 , as gains were capped by profit-taking in financial and utility stocks . Top gainer: Axiata Group +3.72% ...