Market Review & Outlook
Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI ended Monday lower, retreating 0.3% after an early morning advance. Investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of the approaching US tariff deadline and a hectic week packed with key economic events and data releases. Lower liners were mixed as market activity reflected lingering uncertainty. The Plantation sector led gains with a rise of 0.4%, while the Technology sector was the largest decliner, falling 0.9%.
Global Markets Review: Wall Street closed mainly positive on Monday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching fresh closing record highs as the market responded positive to the US-EU trade agreement. The broader advance was narrow, and the Dow slipped 0.1% as investors focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision, major tech earnings, and key economic reports. European markets ended lower after erasing earlier gains amid uncertainty over the details of the US-EU trade deal. Asia-Pacific markets were mixed, influenced by a slew of economic data and ongoing US-China trade negotiations in Stockholm.
Market Outlook: The Malaysian stock market is expected to trade with some volatility today as investors await further clarity on key external developments, notably the US tariff deadline, and digest a busy calendar of US economic events. US President Trump recently indicated a global “baseline” tariff range of 15%–20%, which is lower than Malaysia’s current 25% tariff, but clarity is still pending. Domestically, attention centres on the tabling of the 13MP in Parliament on Thursday, which is anticipated to focus on key reforms and growth sectors. Globally, major US data releases, including GDP, labour market, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s rate decision, will be closely watched.
Sector focus. We favour the Technology, Utilities, Consumer, and Construction sectors this week, anticipating these will be key focus areas of the 13MP. Additionally, we continue to see merit in selectively accumulating domestic-focused power infrastructure and solar players, which stand to benefit from structural growth drivers such as data centre expansion and the ongoing energy transition—trends we expect to remain resilient despite global trade uncertainties.
FBMKLCI Technical Outlook
Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI failed to hold on to early gains and ended the last trading session in the red to close above SMA50 level. Indicators remained positive with the MACD Line finishing above the Signal Line, while the RSI stayed above 50. Immediate resistance is located at 1,550, followed by 1,580. Support is envisaged around 1,511.
Company News (source: various)
Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd’s 4QFY2025 net profit fell 10.1% year-on-year to RM57 million due to a 65.1% surge in operating expenses, driven by store expansion, minimum wage hikes and IPO-related costs.
Alpha IVF Group Bhd posted a 14.7% rise in 4QFY2025 net profit to RM16.07 million, driven by higher assisted reproductive service sales.
Zetrix AI Bhd, formerly MyEG Services Bhd, is no longer involved in foreign worker permit renewals after its government contract ended.
Yinson Holdings Bhd has secured a US$600 million (RM2.5 billion) contract from Phu Quoc Petroleum Operating Company for a newbuild floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel to serve Vietnam’s Block B gas field.
The proposed RM450 million merger between Ekovest Bhd and its sister company Knusford Bhd has collapsed after the third deadline lapsed on July 27, 2025, without a deal or extension.
Insas Bhd has become the largest shareholder in Microlink Solutions Bhd after subscribing to 479.46 million rights shares at 16 sen each, raising its stake to 32.89%.
Berjaya Food Bhd has proposed a bonus issue of up to 885.91 million warrants, on the basis of one warrant for every two shares held.
PN17 company Ireka Corporation Bhd has received a mutual termination notice for its RM1.07 billion Pan Borneo Highway subcontract with Gammerlite Sdn Bhd, following funding issues and the exit of main contractor MTD Construction.
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Currency | Buy Rates (RM) | Sell Rates (RM) |
---|---|---|
USD | 4.252266 | 4.285870 |
EUR | 4.877194 | 4.882265 |
CNY | 0.592038 | 0.592649 |
HKD | 0.541750 | 0.545537 |
SGD | 3.279721 | 3.302705 |