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.
Key Takeaways: CMSB (KL:CMSB) surged nearly 8% to RM1.29 , its highest level since July 28, after electricity was restored to its phosphate plant. The stock is on track for its third straight day of gains , with trading volume approaching 6 million shares by 9:30 am. Power reconnection enables completion of testing and commissioning activities at the Samalaju phosphate facility, a key step toward eventual commercialisation. Market Reaction Investors welcomed the development as a potential turning point for CMSB’s long-delayed phosphate operations. The reconnection resolves a critical bottleneck after more than two years of supply disruption due to a dispute with Sarawak utility firm Sesco. Investment Implications Positive sentiment driver: Restoration of power improves visibility for commercial operations and earnings contribution from the phosphate division. Risk factor: Arbitration proceedings with Sesco remain unresolved, meaning legal...