Opening Daily Highlight
Mixed
KLCI Breaks Above 1,600 Ahead of Long Weekend
Wed, 17-Sep-2025 08:23 am
by Research Team • Apex Research

Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI surged 1.1% on Friday to close above the key 1,600 psychological level for the first time since 25 August. Broader market sentiment was positive, with lower liners also gaining in tandem with large-cap stocks. Utilities (+1.5%) and Telecommunications (+1.1%) led sector gainers, supported by strong performances in heavyweight counters Telekom Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Foreign investors were net buyers for a second consecutive day, reflecting improving risk appetite.

 

Global Markets Review: US markets ended lower on Tuesday. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, Dow Jones dropped 0.3% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Both S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit intraday record highs earlier in the session before paring gains as investors took some profits ahead of a highly-awaited Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Across the Atlantic, European indices mirrored Wall Street’s pull back, led by losses in rate-sensitive sectors such as banks, financials and insurers led losses. Asian markets bucked the trend to trade higher with Japan’s Nikkei 225 gaining 0.3%, China’s Shenzhen index up 0.5% and Thailand’s SET Index rising 0.7%. 

 

Market Outlook. The FBM KLCI has regained strength but is likely to trade range-bound in the near term as investors await clarity on the Fed’s interest rate decision. Futures currently price in a 96% probability of a 25-basis-point cut and a 4% chance of a 50-basis-point cut. Stronger-than-expected August Industrial Production (+0.1%) and Retail Sales (+0.6%) may complicate the Fed’s policy stance, adding to near-term volatility. Meanwhile, Israel’s expanded ground offensive in Gaza City has heightened geopolitical jitters, though the broader market impact remains limited.

 

Sector focus. On the domestic front, a meaningful Fed rate cut could spur yield-seeking flows into high-yielding sectors such as Utilities, Telecommunications, and REITs. We remain constructive on Utilities and Renewable Energy, supported by ongoing reforms and policy measures that are expected to drive sustained growth in the power segment.

Company News (source: various)

Vantris Energy Bhd, formerly known as Sapura Energy Bhd, has denied that it is the subject of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation, following the agency’s announcement that it will forfeit RM12 million linked to funds allegedly misused by an undisclosed party in 2018.

 

Ecoscience International Bhd, a turnkey contractor that specialises in palm oil mills and related facilities, has secured a RM40 million construction job for a palm oils and fats refinery plant in Johor.

 

Bursa Malaysia Securities has reprimanded Fitters Diversified Bhd and fined five of its current and former directors RM400,000 each for failing to comply with requirements for immediate disclosure and shareholder approval for related-party transactions involving the company's acquisition of shares in Computer Forms (M) Bhd.

 

Bursa Securities has publicly reprimanded Ecobuilt Holdings Bhd for the latter’s failure to make an immediate announcement and misrepresentation relating to a winding-up order last year.

 

PBA Holdings Bhd has secured approval to acquire a 4.11-acre site in George Town for RM20 million, after the Penang state government agreed to cut the land premium by RM35.38 million.

 

Maxim Global Bhd is buying a nine-storey office tower on Jalan Klang Lama here for RM29.5 million to serve as its new office.

 

KLK LAND, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, has launched KLK TechPark — a 1,500-acre integrated industrial hub in Tanjong Malim, with Chinese automotive giant BYD confirmed as the anchor investor for Phase 1.

 

Scientex Bhd, the main shareholder of Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Bhd, has proposed a selective capital reduction and repayment plan.

 

Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd is broadening its portfolio beyond its core strengths in credit-related products and motor takaful by introducing individual life protection offerings.

 

Sunway Construction Group Bhd is divesting its entire 40% stake in Engie-Sunway DCS Sdn Bhd to Sunway Bhd’s facilities management arm, Sunway Property & Facility Management Sdn Bhd (SPFM), for RM10.98 million cash.

Sentiment: Positive
Read more details in:

Disclaimer

The report is for internal and private circulation only and shall not be reproduced either in part or otherwise without the prior written consent of Apex Securities Berhad. The opinions and information contained herein are based on available data believed to be reliable. It is not to be construed as an offer, invitation or solicitation to buy or sell the securities covered by this report.

Opinions, estimates and projections in this report constitute the current judgment of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Apex Securities Berhad and are subject to change without notice. Apex Securities Berhad has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a reader thereof in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate.

Apex Securities Berhad does not warrant the accuracy of anything stated herein in any manner whatsoever and no reliance upon such statement by anyone shall give rise to any claim whatsoever against Apex Securities Berhad. Apex Securities Berhad may from time to time have an interest in the company mentioned by this report. This report may not be reproduced, copied or circulated without the prior written approval of Apex Securities Berhad.

Market Mover
Settlement Rates
Currency Buy Rates (RM) Sell Rates (RM)
USD 4.189564 4.225840
EUR 4.930937 4.944344
CNY 0.590125 0.591709
HKD 0.538841 0.543525
SGD 3.269557 3.298024