Market Review & Outlook
Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI (+0.7%) ended last week on a firm note, lifted by selected blue-chip heavyweights on Friday. Market breadth was positive, with 583 gainers against 553 losers, while the broader market also closed mostly higher, except for the FBM Small Cap index (-0.1%). Sector-wise, Industrials (+1.0%) led the gains, while Technology (-1.2%) was the main laggard.
Global Markets Review: Wall Street ended higher after August core PCE inflation came in at 2.9%, broadly in line with expectations, reinforcing hopes that the Federal Reserve could resume rate cuts. The Dow climbed 0.7%, the S&P 500 gained 0.6%, while the Nasdaq advanced 0.4%. In Europe, the STOXX 600 rose 0.8%, supported by gains in financial sector. Meanwhile, Asian markets remained under pressure amid concerns over Trump’s plan to impose a 100% tariff on US pharmaceutical imports effective on 1st Oct 2025.
Market Outlook. After a firm rebound on Friday, we expect sentiment to turn volatile this week following reports of a proposed “1:1 chip production rule” that would require semiconductor companies to manufacture domestically the same number of chips they import in order to avoid tariffs. A potential knee jerk pullback may materialise as the key index looks to defend the 1,600 psychological level. Any pullback will present opportunities for investors to bargain hunt onto fundamentally sound stocks, particularly those whom have minimal exposure to US export markets. The lower liners may see choppy trading as domestic policy support is offset by external tariff worries. Economic wise, attention will turn to the upcoming release of key US economic data such as jobless claims, unemployment rate and PMI during this week.
Sector focus. Under the prevailing potential market volatility, we advocate investors to opt for a defensive stance, favouring the utilities and renewable energy sectors. At the same time, we see selective opportunities in consumer counters, as targeted cash aid and the BUDI95 fuel subsidy under the MADANI framework are expected to lift disposable incomes and support domestic consumption.
FBMKLCI Technical Outlook
Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI staged a quick rebound off its near-term resistance at 1,598 to recover previous losses while ending the day above its short-term moving average. Indicators remained mix, with the MACD Line trading below the Signal Line, while the RSI floated above 50. The next resistance is located at 1,630. Support is envisaged at around 1,570.
Company News (source: various)
Vantris Energy Bhd, formerly known as Sapura Energy Bhd, has seen the emergence of three banks as substantial shareholders of the oil and gas services firm, following the completion of its regularisation plan.
Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd has bagged a RM666 million contract from TA Global Bhd to build a shopping mall and an office tower in Bandar Sri Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
Poh Kong Holdings Bhd’s net profit for the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2025 rose 3% year-on-year to RM22.68 million, while revenue climbed 6.7% to RM365.5 million.
SNS Network Technology Bhd’s net profit for the second quarter ended July 31, 2025 more than doubled to RM20.56 million — its highest on record since the company floated its shares in September 2022 — up from RM6.35 million a year earlier, thanks to strong sales of information and communication technology products through its commercial and online channels.
HCK Capital Group Bhd is selling a 51% stake in Andaman Daya Sdn Bhd, which owns 58,308 square metres of leasehold land in Dengkil, Selangor, to Sinar Pavilion Sdn Bhd for RM61 million in cash to streamline its business operations.
Inta Bina Group Bhd has secured a RM40.6 million contract to construct 128 two-storey terrace houses within a gated and guarded development at Beranang in Selangor's Hulu Langat district from Eco Majestic Development Sdn Bhd.
Steel Hawk Bhd has proposed a special issue of up to 70 million new shares to meet its Bumiputera equity requirement.
AwanBiru Technology Bhd announced that its chief executive officer (CEO) Azlan Zainal Abidin will step down effective Oct 3 to pursue other opportunities.
Southern Score Builders Bhd said the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has rejected the company's application to transfer its listing from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.
Wasco Bhd said the proposed spin-off listing of its renewable energy unit, Wasco Greenergy Bhd, had been approved by the securities regulator.
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Currency | Buy Rates (RM) | Sell Rates (RM) |
---|---|---|
USD | 4.212894 | 4.246402 |
EUR | 4.925348 | 4.934954 |
CNY | 0.592662 | 0.593823 |
HKD | 0.542079 | 0.546393 |
SGD | 3.250847 | 3.276896 |