MONEY MASTER

Key Takeaways FBM KLCI rose 0.3% to 1,661.83 , recovering modestly despite broad-based weakness across the broader market. Financials, telecommunications and selected blue chips  supported the benchmark, while technology stocks faced profit-taking. Market breadth remained negative , with  642 decliners versus 425 gainers , suggesting investor sentiment stayed cautious. Technology counters including ViTrox, Kelington and UMS  were among the biggest value losers despite strong year-to-date gains. The ringgit strengthened further against the US dollar , providing support to Malaysia's macro outlook. Market Overview Bursa Malaysia ended Thursday on a firmer note, with the  FBM KLCI gaining 0.3% to 1,661.83 , as buying in heavyweight financial, telecommunications and plantation stocks offset weakness in the technology sector. Despite the benchmark's advance, overall market participation remained cautious. Declining stocks significantly outnumbered gainers, indicating inve...

Key Takeaways Wall Street rallied to fresh highs , led by AI and Magnificent Seven stocks, with the Dow Jones setting another record close. Maybank Investment Bank upgraded Malaysia's technology sector to Positive , citing stronger semiconductor demand and improving order visibility. Bursa Malaysia eased 0.11% , reflecting sector rotation despite a stronger ringgit and improving outlook for technology stocks. ViTrox and ITMAX emerged as Maybank's preferred picks , while strong earnings and IPO demand highlighted continued strength across selected sectors. Technology and AI remain key investment themes , supporting Malaysia's semiconductor supply chain and export outlook. Market Overview Global investor sentiment strengthened after another robust session on Wall Street, where  AI-related stocks  reignited market momentum. The  Dow Jones Industrial Average  reached a new record closing high, while the  Nasdaq Composite  jumped more than 2% as investors return...

Key Takeaways FBM KLCI slipped below its 2026 gains , pressured by renewed geopolitical concerns and regional market weakness. Foreign fund outflows and political uncertainty  continue to cap market sentiment ahead of upcoming state elections. Higher oil prices and elevated US interest rate expectations  could prolong market volatility. Analysts favour domestic, cash-generative companies , viewing market weakness as a selective buying opportunity. Market Overview Malaysian equities started the week on a weaker footing, with the  FBM KLCI  falling as much as  0.8%  to  1,655.28 , wiping out its gains for the year. The decline mirrored losses across major Asian markets as investors shifted their focus back to geopolitical tensions involving  Iran  and the broader Middle East. Financial heavyweights led the pullback, with  Public Bank  declining 1.5%, contributing significantly to the benchmark index's weakest level since December 2025...

Northeast Group Bhd  surged as much as 15% to a record high after delivering a stronger-than-expected quarterly result, reinforcing investor optimism around the ongoing AI and semiconductor boom. Key Takeaways 2QFY2026 net profit jumped 104% YoY  to RM12.34 million Revenue surged 41% YoY  to RM35.61 million Factories are operating at  near full capacity Research houses maintained  “Buy” calls  and raised target prices AI-driven demand for fibre optics, semiconductors, and optical components continues to support growth Why Investors Are Excited Northeast is increasingly seen as an indirect AI infrastructure play. The company manufactures precision engineering components used in: Photonics Semiconductors Telecommunications Optoelectronics Electronics manufacturing According to analysts, the company is now moving from qualification stages into  mass production  for components linked to AI infrastructure supply chains. A major positive catalyst is its...

Shares of  PETRONAS Chemicals  rose after a return to profitability in 1Q, though analysts remain  cautious on the sustainability of the recovery . Share Price Rises on Earnings Turnaround The stock gained  4.2% to RM5.68 , extending a strong rally of nearly  92% since late February . The rebound was driven by: Higher petrochemical prices Improved  product spreads Stronger  sales volumes However, these gains were largely supported by  supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions , rather than structural demand recovery. Analysts Divided on Outlook Sentiment remains mixed among research houses: 9 ‘buy’ ,  9 ‘hold’ ,  1 ‘sell’  recommendation Average target price: RM6.08 (~7% upside) While earnings forecasts have been revised higher, many analysts maintain  neutral stances  due to lingering risks. Operational and Demand Risks Persist Key concerns highlighted by analysts include: Lower utilisation rates  expected in...

Malaysia’s corporate landscape saw a mix of  fundraising activities, renewable energy expansion, IPO enthusiasm and balance sheet restructuring  dominate headlines, reflecting continued investor appetite for growth and defensive sectors despite broader market caution. Tenaga Advances Renewable Energy Push KL: TENAGA  strengthened its renewable energy ambitions after its subsidiary issued  RM1.05 billion in Asean Green SRI Sukuk  to finance a  500MW solar photovoltaic project in Kedah . The issuance highlights increasing institutional support for  green financing  and reinforces Tenaga’s long-term transition towards cleaner energy infrastructure. Investors may view the move positively as ESG-linked investments continue gaining traction across regional markets. Mr DIY Expands Funding Flexibility KL: MRDIY  raised  RM540 million via its maiden bond issuance , with proceeds earmarked for refinancing, working capital and expansion plans. The ...

A series of corporate announcements across Bursa Malaysia highlights  financial distress, contract wins, and strategic expansions , offering mixed signals for investors navigating the local equity market.  SMTrack Falls Into GN3 Status SMTrack Bhd  has been classified under  GN3 (financial distress)  after cumulative losses of  RM46.76 million exceeded its shareholders’ equity . The company plans to  seek a waiver from Bursa Malaysia , while implementing turnaround measures. The development raises concerns about  balance sheet sustainability and restructuring risks . Contract Wins Support Earnings Visibility Several companies secured new contracts, improving near-term revenue visibility: ISF Group Bhd  won  RM22.48 million in plumbing subcontracts , including projects tied to  data centres and healthcare developments Mitrajaya Holdings Bhd  secured a  RM54 million data centre contract  linked to  NEXTDC Ltd These...

Prolonged Middle East tensions and volatile oil markets could turn into a tailwind for  Gas Malaysia , according to UOB Kay Hian. The research house says sustained higher natural gas prices would directly lift the company’s profitability — making it one of the clearer beneficiaries of the current energy shock. Key Takeaways Gas Malaysia derives about 40% of net profit from gas sales Every 1% change in gas prices can swing net profit by 4% LNG prices in Asia have surged 46% in the past week Earnings upside if elevated oil prices persist beyond six months Tenaga Nasional impact seen as marginal Why Gas Malaysia Stands to Gain Gas Malaysia Bhd  supplies natural gas to over 1,000 industrial customers, with about 40% of its net profit tied directly to gas sales. According to UOB Kay Hian: Every 1% change in natural gas prices can shift net profit by 4% If elevated oil prices persist beyond six months, earnings could improve meaningfully Asian LNG prices have surged 46% in just one ...

Malaysia’s benchmark index tumbled sharply on March 9 as escalating Middle East tensions and surging oil prices triggered heavy selling across the broader market. Market Snapshot (March 9, 2026) FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI  closed at  1,674.17 , down  2.55% Other key indices: FBM Mid 70: -2.11% FBM Small Cap: -1.96% FBM ACE: -4.39% Market breadth turned decisively negative: 283 gainers vs 1,142 losers Total volume: 5.516 billion shares Total value: RM5.866 billion Key Point: Selling was broad-based, with losers outnumbering gainers nearly 4-to-1. Ringgit Performance USD/MYR: 3.9675 YTD change: +2.33% Despite equity weakness, the ringgit remained relatively stable against the US dollar. Top Movers in KLCI Gainers: Sime Darby Bhd  +3.39% IOI Corp Bhd  +1.79% Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd  +1.14% Decliners: YTL Corp Bhd  -6.94% Gamuda Bhd  -5.54% PETRONAS Gas Bhd  -4.13% Most Active Stocks Among the most traded counters: Velesto Energy Bhd AirAsia X Bhd ...

Malaysia’s equity market closed lower on Wednesday as  selling pressure in banking and utility stocks weighed on the benchmark index . The  FBM KLCI declined 0.80% to 1,698.22 , slipping below the psychological  1,700 level , while broader market indices also weakened. Mid- and small-cap stocks saw heavier losses: FBM 70:  17,154.26 ( -1.17% ) FBM Small Cap:  15,416.70 ( -1.60% ) FBM Emas Index:  12,434.47 ( -0.94% ) The decline suggests  risk sentiment remains cautious , with investors trimming positions after recent market gains. KLCI Movers Top Gainers PPB Group  led the benchmark gainers. Stock Price Change PPB RM10.90 +2.83% Sunway RM5.63 +1.44% Press Metal RM7.40 +0.82% MR DIY RM1.72 +0.58% IOI Corp RM3.92 +0.51% PPB’s rise helped cushion losses in the broader index , while gains in  property and plantation stocks  provided limited support. Top Losers Selling pressure was concentrated in  utilities and consumer names . Stock P...

Malaysian equities opened sharply lower on March 2 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East compounded fresh US tariff concerns, triggering broad risk-off moves across Asia. The  FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI  fell as much as 32.33 points, or nearly 2%, before trimming losses to trade around 1,698, down about 1% by mid-morning. What’s Driving the Selloff Key catalysts: US-Israel strike on Iran escalated regional tensions Oil tankers reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz Roughly 20% of global oil supply flows through the chokepoint Brent crude jumped over 5% to US$76.61 US dollar strengthened, pressuring regional currencies including the ringgit According to  Hong Leong Investment Bank , the conflict could create near-term US dollar strength and ringgit weakness, weighing on local equities. Index Movers Major decliners included: MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Bhd  -4% Malayan Banking Bhd  -1.8% Broader market breadth was weak, with losers outnumbering gainers nearly f...

Quick Summary 4QFY2025 net profit plunged 64% YoY to RM30.3m Revenue fell  15.5%  on lower CPO and palm kernel prices RM27.2m biological asset fair value loss hit earnings FY2025 profit down  39% , dividend trimmed sharply Earnings Hit by Price Weakness & Fair Value Loss Shares of  Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd  remained flat despite a sharp earnings drop, as the group reported a weak fourth quarter driven by softer palm oil prices and valuation losses. 4QFY2025 Highlights Net profit:  RM30.34m ( -64.3% YoY ) EPS:  3.79 sen (vs 10.63 sen last year) Revenue:  RM197.3m ( -15.5% YoY ) The decline was mainly due to: Lower  average selling prices (ASP)  for crude palm oil (CPO) Lower sales volumes A  RM27.2m loss on biological asset fair value adjustments , reversing last year’s RM24.4m gain CPO Prices Under Pressure CPO ASP:  RM4,353/tonne ( -9.1% YoY ) Palm kernel ASP:  RM3,483/tonne ( -1.6% YoY ) Margins narrowed as ...