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.
Key Developments: Trump’s tariffs take effect: 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada , while China faces a 20% tariff increase on top of existing levies. China retaliates with 10%-15% tariffs on US goods and export restrictions on 25 US firms. Canada and Mexico vow countermeasures , with C$30 billion in immediate retaliatory tariffs from Ottawa. Market turmoil ensues , as global stocks slide and investors flee to safe-haven assets. US recession fears rise , with businesses warning of supply chain disruptions and higher consumer prices . North America: Trade Friction with Allies Canada’s Swift Response Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs, calling them a violation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . Canada retaliates with 25% tariffs on C$30 billion (US$20.7 billion) in US goods , targeting: Beer, wine, and bourbon Home appliances Florida orange juice Ontari...