KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.
Key Insights: BOJ's Calculated Approach : The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is assessing whether to raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting on Dec 19 , with December and January both being viable options. Officials perceive limited cost to waiting , as current data suggest minimal risk of inflation overshooting projections. Market Reactions : The yen weakened against the dollar, reflecting mixed signals about the BOJ's policy direction. After initial volatility, the yen was trading at approximately 152.10 to the dollar on Thursday morning. Governor’s Mixed Signals : BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently hinted that rate hikes are "nearing" but has also conveyed caution against premature action. Diverging views within the BOJ leadership, including dovish members like Toyoaki Nakamura , underscore the data-driven nature of the final decision. Policy Outlook : Key Considerations for Rate Hike : Economic ...