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.
What’s Driving the Euro Rally? The euro surged past $1.17 , hitting its highest level since September 2021 — and the options market is betting this rally has legs. Data from the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation showed $56 billion in euro options traded Thursday , far outpacing other major currencies. What stands out? Heavy interest in call options — contracts that gain if the euro climbs — especially those targeting a break of $1.20 . Why Now? Fed rate cut expectations are weighing on the dollar. Iran-Israel truce is reducing safe-haven demand for USD. Germany’s fiscal expansion has revived eurozone growth hopes. Trump’s tariff threats are pushing traders away from the greenback. Momentum Check: Euro is up 15% from February lows . Trading near decade highs vs. the Chinese yuan. Asset managers most bullish since early 2024. Hedge funds least bearish since April. Investor Signals: “It’s full ste...