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.
European stock futures climbed after the US and European Union reached a trade deal that eased investor worries about escalating tariffs. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will see the EU face 15% tariffs on most exports , including cars. Pharmaceuticals and metals are excluded from the deal. By early Monday in Paris, Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 1% , while Germany’s DAX futures also gained about 1%. The euro edged up to $1.1752 . “This is exactly what markets needed — visibility. The risk of tariff escalation is now off the table,” said John Plassard, head of investment strategy at Cité Gestion. “For investors, that’s not just relief; it’s a green light.” Key Sectors to Watch Automakers: Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and suppliers like Valeo and Pirelli are expected to benefit. Luxury Brands: LVMH, Kering, and Salvatore Ferragamo may see gains as North America is ...