KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed higher, buoyed by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent, alongside positive cues from Wall Street. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 19.30 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 1,635.86 from Wednesday’s close of 1,616.56. The benchmark index opened 6.72 points higher at 1,623.28, and fluctuated between an intraday high of 1,642.44 and a low of 1,622.62 during the trading session. However, market breadth was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers 723 to 497, while 466 counters were unchanged, 1,075 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 3.74 billion units valued at RM3.61 billion compared with yesterday’s 2.81 billion units valued at RM2.57 billion.
The U.S. stock market is pushing to record highs despite a fragile economy, prompting Goldman Sachs to suggest put options as a cost-effective hedge against potential declines. Market Calm Masks Risks The S&P 500 logged its 18th record high of 2025 on Thursday. Economic data shows slowing consumer spending and stubborn inflation . President Trump’s Federal Reserve criticism and unpredictable trade policies add to uncertainty. VIX (fear gauge) has fallen to 14.7 , well below its historical average of 19.5. Why Puts Look Cheap Now Put option pricing is closely tied to market volatility. With VIX low, three-month puts are trading at relatively low premiums . “Markets at all-time highs and low volatility levels provide an attractive opportunity for hedging,” said Goldman’s Arun Prakash. ETF Opportunities Goldman recommends three ETFs with above-average economic sensitivity and che...