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.
President Donald Trump reversed course on steep reciprocal tariffs , pausing new levies on nearly 100 nations just hours after they took effect. But China wasn’t spared —its tariffs were increased to 125% , triggering a mixed reaction of market euphoria and policy confusion . What Just Happened: Trump’s 10% baseline global tariff remains , but a 90-day pause was granted for the steeper “reciprocal” tariffs— except for China . China’s new 125% tariff rate is “effective immediately.” Canada and Mexico stay exempt from the baseline tariffs , though higher levies on some goods remain planned. Market Reaction: Nasdaq soared 12% S&P 500 jumped 9.5% Dow surged 7.9% (up 2,962 points) Bond markets also shifted sharply— long-term yields dropped , short-term yields spiked . Trump’s Take: On pausing tariffs: “They were getting a little yippy... a little bit afraid.” On China: “They want to make a deal.” On the markets: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME ...