Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI (+0.5%) advanced on Monday, tracking strength from regional peers amid hopes of a deal to end the US government shutdown. Market breadth turned positive, with 603 advancers out-pacing 469 decliners as foreign investors returned as net buyers after a short exodus. Technology (+2.0%) and Consumer (+0.5%) sectors led the gains, supported by strong performances in heavyweight counters such as Vitrox Corp Bhd and Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, while Energy (–0.8%) and Utilities (–0.6%) were the main laggards.
Global Markets Review: Wall Street kicked off the week on a strong note, with the Nasdaq rallying 2.3%, the S&P 500 gaining 1.5% and the Dow climbing 0.8% as optimism grew that the protracted US government shutdown could soon be resolved. Sentiment improved after several Senate Democrats broke ranks to support a House-passed stop-gap funding bill, paving the way for a potential reopening and alleviating concerns over public-sector disruptions. AI-related heavyweights such as NVIDIA and Broadcom led the gains, as investors return to a risk-taking mood. European markets followed suit, with the STOXX 600 up 1.4% thanks to the spill-over from US risk-on sentiment. In Asia, risk appetite also improved, with the Hang Seng Index (+1.6%), Nikkei 225 (+1.3%) and S&P/ASX 200 (+0.8%) all closing higher as regional markets tracked the global rebound.
Market Outlook. We expect the local bourse to remain on a positive trajectory as global sentiment improves. Optimism grew that the prolonged US government shutdown could soon end, restoring access to key economic data and guiding Fed policy expectations. Trade tensions also eased after the USTR suspended its Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, seen as a constructive step toward stabilising US-China relations. Investors will monitor the final batch of US corporate results, while locally, focus will be on the 3Q GDP release on Friday and the start of the earnings season for cues on tariff impacts.
Sector focus. We continue to hold a positive view on selective construction, power ancillary, and renewable energy stocks, underpinned by data centre growth and the ongoing shift toward cleaner energy. Additionally, we prefer select consumer names, especially within the staples segment, supported by stable domestic consumption and strong earnings visibility.
Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI held on to most of its early gains to end the day higher above all major moving averages. Indicators turned positive, with the MACD Line trading above the Signal Line, while the RSI stays above 50. The next resistance is located at 1,660. Support is envisaged at around 1,600.
Company News (source: various)
Genting Bhd has issued bonds for a nominal value of RM900 million to part-finance the acquisition of Genting Malaysia Bhd shares under the takeover offer announced last month.
SD Guthrie Bhd has issued its maiden sustainability-linked sukuk of RM2.1 billion, Malaysia's largest to date.
Mr DIY Group (M) Bhd posted an 11.9% rise in net profit for the third quarter, driven by stronger gross profit margins and higher revenue from new store openings.
Hup Seng Industries Bhd flagged a challenging operating environment due to ongoing cost pressures and uncertain export conditions, after posting a 10.4% year-on-year decline in net profit for the third quarter of 2025.
Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust posted a 25.3% increase in third-quarter net property income (NPI), supported by full-quarter contributions from new retail and industrial assets.
Mah Sing Group Bhd’s unit, Enchanting View Development Sdn Bhd, is buying 2.83 acres of land in George Town from state development arm Penang Development Corp for RM51.8 million.
IHH Healthcare Bhd received a tepid response to its mandatory takeover offers for an additional 26% stake each in India-based healthcare group Fortis Healthcare Ltd and its subsidiary Malar Hospitals Ltd, which closed on Nov 4.
AYS Ventures Bhd's wholly-owned unit, Ann Yak Siong (Singapore) Pte Ltd, has subscribed for an additional 9.74 million shares in 3HA Capital Pte Ltd for S$9.74 million (RM31.15 million) in cash.
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| Currency | Buy Rates (RM) | Sell Rates (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 4.111095 | 4.143895 |
| EUR | 4.789157 | 4.798654 |
| CNY | 0.581054 | 0.581649 |
| HKD | 0.528955 | 0.533187 |
| SGD | 3.160793 | 3.186131 |