KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday, even as utilities, healthcare, and financial services sectors saw increased buying interest following the release of Malaysia’s second-quarter (2Q) gross domestic product (GDP) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 7.32 points to 1,727.39 compared with Thursday’s close of 1,734.71. The benchmark index opened 0.01 of a point higher at 1,734.72 and fluctuated between 1,726.77 and 1,734.72 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers trounced gainers 619 to 538, while 554 counters were unchanged, 1,117 untraded and 29 suspended. Turnover eased to 3.50 billion units valued at RM2.59 billion from 3.51 billion units valued at RM3.05 billion on Thursday. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said FBM KLCI closed lower despite Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected 6.0 per cent GDP growth in 2Q 2026, underscoring the market’s forward-looki...
Asian equities surged to a fresh all-time high , outperforming global peers as investors rotated toward cheaper valuations and stronger regional growth prospects , even as precious metals cooled after a historic rally. What’s Driving the Rally MSCI Asia-Pacific Index jumped 1.2% to a record high Asian stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 so far this year Investors are broadening exposure beyond the US , amid rising political and policy uncertainty in Washington Valuations remain the key attraction : Asia-Pacific trades at ~15x earnings vs ~22x for the S&P 500 and ~25x for the Nasdaq 100 This valuation gap is drawing global capital toward Asian and non-US assets. Japan in Focus Early momentum was led by Japan , where markets reopened after a holiday: Topix surged 2.2% Japanese government bond yields jumped Speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may dissolve parliament as early as next mont...