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.
Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have reached a landmark agreement to secure Switzerland’s continued access to the EU's single market, marking the end of a prolonged negotiation period following the breakdown in relations in 2021. The agreement aims to solidify economic and political ties after years of uncertainty and lays the groundwork for smoother bilateral cooperation. Key Features of the Agreement Safeguard Clause on Immigration: A reworked safeguard clause allows Switzerland to address unexpected challenges stemming from free movement of people, addressing domestic concerns without breaching the EU’s foundational principles. Financial Contributions: Transition Period (up to 2030): Switzerland will contribute 130 million francs annually. From 2030 to 2036: Contributions increase to 350 million francs ($391 million) annually. Sectoral Cooperation: The accord includes agreements on science funding, rail transport, and electricity. Swiss businesses had ...