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 Takeaway Japan’s economy grew 2.2% annualised in Q2 — more than double the initial estimate — thanks to stronger consumer spending and inventories. But with Trump’s tariffs and political uncertainty after PM Ishiba’s resignation , investors should watch if this momentum can last into Q3. What Drove the Upgrade GDP: Revised to +2.2% annualised (vs. +1.0% initially). Quarter-on-quarter: +0.5% (up from +0.3%). Private consumption: +0.4% (was +0.2%). Boost came from restaurants, game sales, and corporate spending. Capital expenditure: +0.6% (revised down from +1.3%). External demand: Added 0.3 ppt, same as earlier estimate. Domestic demand: Contributed 0.2 ppt (vs. drag of –0.1 ppt previously). The Risks Ahead Tariffs bite: Analysts warn US tariffs could hit exports sharply in Q3 , weakening momentum. Consumer strength shaky: Economists say it’s “difficult to expect” household spending to offset ex...