KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended at its intraday low on Thursday as investor sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing foreign outflows, although the recent weakness may present bargain-hunting opportunities in fundamentally sound blue-chip counters. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 9.33 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 1,708.36, from yesterday’s close of 1,717.69. The benchmark index, which opened 3.74 points higher at 1,721.43, hit an intraday high of 1,722.50 in early trade before losing momentum for the rest of the day. Market breadth was negative, with losers outpacing gainers 656 to 508, while 565 counters were unchanged, 989 untraded and 32 suspended. Turnover fell to 3.49 billion units worth RM3.70 billion compared with 4.15 billion units worth RM4.29 billion on Wednesday.
Quick Summary China kept its benchmark lending rates unchanged for the ninth straight month 1-year LPR stays at 3.0% , 5-year LPR at 3.5% Authorities prefer targeted tools over broad rate cuts Growth expected to slow to 4.5% in 2026 What Happened China left its benchmark Loan Prime Rates (LPRs) unchanged in February: 1-year LPR: 3.0% 5-year LPR: 3.5% The decision marks the ninth consecutive month of steady rates , suggesting policymakers are not in a hurry to roll out fresh broad-based stimulus . The rates are set by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) . Why No Immediate Cuts? While China hit its ~5% growth target in 2025 , largely thanks to strong exports, several headwinds persist: Structural imbalances Industrial overcapacity Weak domestic consumption Rising geopolitical tensions A Reuters poll forecasts growth slowing to 4.5% in 2026 . Key point: Policymakers appear to be conserving policy ...