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 Takeaway: Vietnam’s garment industry aims to diversify export markets and clients as it braces for potential impacts from US President-elect Donald Trump’s trade policies , while maintaining its growth trajectory. Vietnam’s garment exports are projected to grow further in 2025, reaching $47-$48 billion , up from an estimated $44 billion in 2024, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). Despite this growth, the industry is preparing for potential changes in US trade policies, given Vietnam’s $100 billion trade surplus with the US last year. Diversification Strategy VITAS Chairman Vu Duc Giang emphasized a strategic shift toward diversifying export markets, products, and clients to mitigate risks tied to US tariffs or trade adjustments. While the US remains Vietnam’s largest apparel market , accounting for 38% of shipments , efforts are underway to reduce dependency. “We will push for diversification to address uncertainties,” Giang said, adding that imp...