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.
Market Overview: With the July 9 tariff deadline approaching, uncertainty remains high. Partial deals may be announced, but many will leave key issues unresolved. Countries without deals risk higher tariffs, impacting sectors like semiconductors, autos, industrials, and pharmaceuticals. Mixed signals from the White House continue to fuel volatility. Sector Impact & Investment Implications: Export-Heavy Sectors: Expect short-term volatility. Firms with weak pricing power or heavy foreign exposure could see margin pressures. Defensive & Domestic Plays: Utilities, consumer staples, and selective REITs could outperform as investors seek stability. Safe-Haven Assets: Gold, USD, and defense-related names may see steady inflows during uncertainty. Money Master Insight: Maintain a neutral-to-cautious stance on trade-sensitive sectors. Prioritize companies with flexible supply chains. Look to accumulate quality names on dips post-deadline. Focus on fi...