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.
Markets are bracing for a high-stakes week as a series of major events could shake the recent calm that has propelled U.S. stocks to record highs. Tariffs Loom Large President Donald Trump’s Aug. 1 deadline for sweeping global tariffs is approaching. If no trade deals are reached, higher levies on key trading partners could take effect, potentially sparking volatility. The S&P 500 has surged 28% and the Nasdaq 38% since the market dip in early April following Trump’s initial “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. Federal Reserve in Focus The Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on Wednesday is another major market driver. The Fed is expected to keep rates steady as officials wait to assess the impact of tariffs on inflation. However, tensions remain high, with Trump urging Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates immediately. Some of Trump’s own appointees have signaled support for a cut as early as this month. Tech Earnings on Deck Apple, Micr...