Market Review & Outlook
Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI (+0.01%) eked out a marginal gain on Wednesday, closing at 1,611.55 pts as investors tracked regional market optimism. Market breadth improved, with 736 gainers against 418 losers, while lower liners also ended broadly higher. All sectors advanced, led by Telecommunications (+1.57%) and Energy (+1.29%).
Global Markets Review: Wall Street ended mixed but largely in positive territory on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 (+0.40%) and Nasdaq (+0.66%) advancing, while the Dow Jones slipped slightly (-0.04%), as investors weighed upbeat corporate earnings against escalating trade tensions between the US and China. The rally was led by strong results from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, while ASML’s solid earnings lifted chip and tech stocks. In Europe, equities closed higher, with the STOXX 600 (+0.57%) and France’s CAC 40 (+1.99%) leading gains. The luxury sector outperformed, supported by LVMH’s strong earnings, while easing political tensions in France and dovish signals from the Fed provided additional support. Across Asia, major indices such as Nikkei 225 (+1.82%), KOSPI (+2.75%), and Hang Seng Index (+1.83%) advanced broadly, buoyed by Wall Street’s earnings optimism, tech-sector strength, and a softer US dollar, signalling a firmer risk appetite across the region.
Market Outlook. We expect the FBM KLCI to remain range-bound as investors digest renewed US–China trade frictions and lingering concerns over global demand. China’s latest retaliatory port measures have reignited trade-related risks, weighing on sentiment across export-oriented sectors. Meanwhile, the ringgit continues to weaken amid safe-haven flows, though dovish Fed expectations and resilient US earnings momentum could provide intermittent support to risk assets. All eyes will be on upcoming US corporate earnings for further market direction.
Sector focus. We remain constructive on selected Power Ancillary and Renewable Energy names, underpinned by accelerating data centre investments and favourable policy tailwinds that continue to drive structural growth within the power sector. Meanwhile, gold-related counters are expected to gain traction, supported by firmer bullion prices amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
FBMKLCI Technical Outlook
Technical Commentary:
The FBM KLCI closed slightly higher on Wednesday but formed a bearish candlestick, signalling potential weakness in the current uptrend. Indicators remained mixed, with the MACD Line trading below the Signal Line, while the RSI floated above 50. The next resistance is located at 1,660. Support is envisaged at around 1,600.
Company News (source: various)
NexG Bhd has secured an 18-month contract extension from the Immigration Department for the continued supply of foreign worker cards, effective Nov 1, 2025 to Apr 30, 2027.
Advancecon Holdings Bhd has secured a RM36.1 million contract from Sime Darby Property for earthworks and infrastructure works at Serenia City in Dengkil, Sepang.
Crest Builder Holdings Bhd has secured a RM23.93 million contract from Quantum Quest Sdn Bhd for reinforced concrete works up to level six at a high-rise residential project on Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
Coastal Contracts Bhd’s subsidiary, Elite Point Pte Ltd, has secured a RM12.8 million liftboat charter contract for 120 days.
Globetronics Technology Bhd has proposed a bonus issue of up to 368.49 million warrants, offering one for every two shares held.
EP Manufacturing Bhd has been appointed by SAIC Motor Malaysia as the contract assembler for selected MG vehicles, marking its third Chinese automaker partnership in two years.
HeiTech Padu Bhd has clarified that the RM157.8 million increase in its NIISe contract value stems from adding an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), covering hardware, software licences, system integration and training.
TMK Chemical Bhd’s unit has signed a non-exclusive distributor agreement with Tata Chemicals Soda Ash Partners LLC to distribute soda ash dense in bulk across Vietnam, with profits earned solely from resale.
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Currency | Buy Rates (RM) | Sell Rates (RM) |
---|---|---|
USD | 4.216494 | 4.249912 |
EUR | 4.922432 | 4.927403 |
CNY | 0.593403 | 0.593996 |
HKD | 0.542504 | 0.546302 |
SGD | 3.255231 | 3.278254 |