KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
1. US-China Tensions Impact Southeast Asia Trade Malaysia’s Trade Minister Zafrul Aziz highlighted short-term opportunities as companies move supply chains to Southeast Asia. Long-term concerns: Slower global growth, higher consumer costs, and sustained geopolitical tensions affecting trade patterns. 2. Malaysia Needs High-Growth Sectors to Boost Economy Economist Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi emphasized targeting high-growth, high-risk sectors to improve economic sustainability and reduce income inequality. Focus on structural reforms in labor, land, and capital to drive growth and social equity. Stocks to Watch 1. Bumi Armada (ARMADA.MY) & MISC Bhd (MISC.MY) Merger Talks: Both companies are evaluating a merger of their offshore energy businesses, potentially forming a RM20 billion energy services entity . MISC Q3 Results: Net profit down 21% to RM338.9 million. Revenue fell 12% to RM2.96 billion , impacted by lower charter rates and operational costs. Declared 8 sen per share di...