KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is anticipated to trade within a tight range of 1,600 to 1,610 this week, with 1,600 remaining a key psychological and technical threshold, reflecting Malaysia’s resilient economic backdrop.
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said while the index had briefly fallen below the 1,600 level in recent weeks, consistent efforts to reclaim it reflect cautious optimism among market participants.
“However, momentum remained subdued, with upward movements likely to hinge on external catalysts,” he told Bernama.
He said Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain robust, underpinned by steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth, manageable inflation, low unemployment and resilient trade performance.
“These strengths provide a solid foundation for market stability, but they have yet to translate into significant upward momentum for the domestic equity market.
“As a result, the FBM KLCI’s near-term trajectory continues to be influenced by global factors,” he added.
Among the global factors, the uncertainties surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s potential protectionist trade policies and the lingering impact of US-China trade tensions stand out, Mohd Sedek said.
He added that discussions at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit in Hong Kong suggest a less than 60% probability of extreme tariff measures, which has somewhat alleviated fears.
“However, the lack of clear policy direction and incomplete cabinet appointments in the United States weigh on investor confidence. Until these issues are resolved, equity markets are likely to remain susceptible to short-term volatility,” he said.
On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the FBM KLCI fell 2.66 points to 1,589.78 from 1,592.44 in the previous week.
The FBM Emas Index increased 5.67 points to 12,110.99, the FBM 70 Index jumped 115.14 points to 17,934.02 and the FBM Emas Syariah Index advanced 102.21 points to 12,125.51,
Meanwhile, the FBMT 100 Index rose 8.23 points to 11,814.43 and the FBM ACE Index added 15.91 points to 5,163.07.
By sector, the Financial Services Index dropped 119.77 points to 19,037.07, the Plantation Index shrank 87.66 points to 7,538.52 and the Technology Index eased 0.42 of-a-point to 59.16.
The Energy Index lost 7.05 points to 820.12, the Industrial Products and Services Index gained 5.01 points to 173.28, and the Healthcare Index climbed 31.48 points to 2,136.11.
