KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI has passed the 1,630 psychological resistance as the equities rally continued on the heels of Wall Street's overnight performance.
At the start of trading, the benchmark index rose 1.91 points to 1,631.73 for a tentative crossing of the hurdle as investors digested the recent onslaught of developments moving global markets.
Since the weekend attack on former President Donald Trump, investor sentiment has been bolstered by the growing likelihood of Trump winning the presidential race at the next elections, fuelling further the rally sparked by expectations of the Federal Reserve starting rate cuts in September.
Apex Securities Research, however, said attention should be given to market sentiment following slower-than-expected economic data from China, which may limit any potential gains. It added that investors should keep an eye on the ongoing earnings season in the US throughout the week.
"We anticipate that the construction, utilities, and technology sectors will continue to be preferred choices for foreign fund investors.
"Additionally, opportunities are expected in the Plantation sector, driven by news of palm oil trade deals with China and potential supply concerns due to La Niña in the second half of 2024," it said in a note.
Among the blue chips making early gains, Gneting rose three sen to RM4.73, PPB gained four sen to RM14.44 and YTL Power added two sen to RM4.95.
Of actives, Harvest Miracle lost 0.5 sen to nine sen, JAKS rose 0.5 sen to 18 sen and Bintai Kinden gained one sen to 12.5 sen.