KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to close higher on Wednesday on selective buying of defensive stocks after a volatile trading session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said consumer products and services stocks lifted the key index higher, overcoming lingering geopolitical concerns. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.08 points to 1,715.56 from yesterday’s close of 1,712.48. The benchmark index, which opened 1.91 points higher at 1,714.39, moved between 1,710.79 and 1,720.59 during the day’s trading. In the broader market, gainers outstripped decliners 550 to 476, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,129 untraded, and 48 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.96 billion units valued at RM2.48 billion from 2.94 billion units valued at RM2.56 billion on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways ECB Vice President Guindos : All options remain on the table for interest rates. Inflation steady at 2% , third straight month on target. Mixed voices within ECB : Some warn against cuts, others say further easing can’t be ruled out. Markets calm : No bond stress, sovereign spreads not a concern. The European Central Bank (ECB) stands ready to adjust its policy stance if conditions shift, even though current interest rates are seen as appropriate, according to Vice President Luis de Guindos . “We all agree that we must keep all options open,” Guindos said in an interview with Die Welt . “If the situation changes, we will adjust our stance accordingly.” Inflation and Economic Backdrop Eurozone inflation eased to 2% in August , matching the ECB’s target for a third month, down from an earlier estimate of 2.1%. Wage pressures that previously fueled price growth are moderating, with negotiated pay gains expected to stay below 2% into 2026. The ECB projects a ...