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.
Asia Steady Amid Japan Election Shake-Up & Tech Earnings Buzz | Yen Firms, Markets Watch Tariff Countdown
Asian markets held firm on Monday despite political headwinds in Japan and rising global uncertainty. With Wall Street bracing for earnings from major tech giants and the U.S.-EU tariff deadline fast approaching, investors are cautiously optimistic — for now. Japan Election Jitters: No Surprise, No Panic Japan’s ruling coalition lost its upper house majority in Sunday’s election, weakening Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s grip on power. Despite the setback, Ishiba pledged to stay on, limiting market reaction. A Japanese market holiday also helped mute volatility. The yen strengthened 0.4% to 148.29 against the dollar. “This kind of domestic uncertainty usually sidelines the Bank of Japan,” said NAB’s Rodrigo Catril. “Rate hikes are likely pushed further out — possibly past October.” While the Nikkei was closed , futures climbed slightly to 39,875, above last week’s cash close of 39,819. Asia-Pacific Markets: Holding Ground MSCI Asia ex-Japan index : Fl...