KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index edged higher at the close as bargain hunting emerged following Monday’s sharp sell-off, although it narrowly failed to reclaim the 1,600 level, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 3.83 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 1,599.58 from Monday’s close of 1,595.75. The index opened 3.18 points lower at 1,592.57, marking its intraday low, and reached an intraday high of 1,602.83 in early trading. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 751 to 331, while 499 counters were unchanged, 1,259 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.86 billion units worth RM2.42 billion against Monday’s 2.49 billion units worth RM2.38 billion.
Key Takeaways Bitcoin fell to its lowest level in 21 months , pressured by expectations of higher US interest rates and persistent ETF outflows. More than US$4 billion exited US-listed Bitcoin ETFs in June , highlighting weakening institutional demand. Concerns over Strategy's future Bitcoin purchases have undermined confidence in one of the cryptocurrency's largest corporate supporters. Bitcoin has dropped over 50% from its record high and fallen below its 200-week moving average, reinforcing bearish technical sentiment. This week's US nonfarm payrolls report could become the next major catalyst for cryptocurrency markets. Market Overview Bitcoin extended its sharp decline on Wednesday, falling to US$57,742 , its lowest level since September 2024, as investors continued to reduce exposure to risk assets amid growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will keep monetary policy tighter for longer. The cryptocurrency has struggled under the ...