Opening Daily Highlight
Mixed
KLCI Defies the Noise
Thu, 15-Jan-2026 07:53 am
by Research Team • Apex Research

Market Review & Outlook

Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI extended its gains for a fourth straight session on Wednesday, rising 0.16% to hold above the 1,700 level, supported by late buying interest in selected blue-chip names. Market breadth was positive, with 665 advancers against 450 decliners. Sector-wise, Technology (+1.07%), Property (+0.90%) and Consumer (+0.79%) outperformed, while Construction (-0.75%) and Plantation (-0.37%) were the main laggards.

 

Global Markets. Wall Street closed lower overnight, with the Dow (-0.09%), S&P 500 (-0.53%) and Nasdaq (-1.00%) retreating as selling pressure in megacaps tech weighed on sentiment. Nvidia, Tesla, Broadcom and Oracle led losses, while bank stocks continued to fall despite solid earnings. Meanwhile, gold and silver surged to fresh record highs amid elevated geopolitical risks and rising US policy uncertainty. European equities edged higher, with the STOXX 600 (+0.18%) and FTSE 100 (+0.46%) supported by gains in chemicals and healthcare stocks. Asian equities ended mostly higher, with the Nikkei 225 (+1.48%), KOSPI (+0.65%) and Hang Seng Index (+0.56%) posting gains.

 

Market Outlook. Malaysian equities are expected to trade with a cautious bias as geopolitical risks continue to inject volatility into global markets. Rising tensions around Iran and renewed US policy uncertainties have lifted risk premia, particularly across energy and currencies. Nonetheless, a stable global growth backdrop, easing inflation and broadening earnings support suggest current volatility is rotational rather than systemic, keeping the overall market tone constructive despite near-term noise.

 

Sector focus. We remain positive on selective power-ancillary and renewable energy names, supported by long-term energy transition trends that underpin earnings resilience and continue to attract investor rotation amid heightened global trade uncertainty. We also favour selective consumer staples, underpinned by resilient domestic consumption and ongoing government cash assistance.

 

FBMKLCI Technical Outlook

Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI closed higher for the fourth consecutive session above all major moving averages. Indicators remained positive, with the MACD line trading above the signal line while the RSI remained above 50. The next resistance is located at 1,750, while support is envisaged around 1,685.     

 

Company News (source: various)

AirAsia X Bhd said it is exploring a possible name change following the consolidation of AirAsia Group’s aviation business but stressed that no definitive decision has been made and no application has been submitted, with any proposal subject to board, regulatory and shareholder approvals.

 

Separately, Capital A Bhd said it had sold 17 million AirAsia X shares for RM28.05 million in cash via direct business transactions. 

 

Pestech International Bhd said its wholly owned unit, Pestech Sdn Bhd, has been served with a winding-up petition over an alleged US$2.39 million by Pestech Engineering Technology (China) Co Ltd.

 

Globetronics Technology Bhd has appointed Ta Shun Dher, the son of the late Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan, founder of the Waz Lian Group and Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd, as non-executive chairman, while executive chairman Liaw Way Gian has been redesignated as executive director.

 

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd said it has signed a non-binding collaboration agreement with France’s Défense Conseil International to explore a potential strategic partnership.

 

Utility giant Tenaga Nasional Bhd said it has signed a Phase 2 energy wheeling agreement to facilitate the transmission of electricity from Laos to Singapore via Thailand and Malaysia using existing interconnection facilities.

 

TRC Synergy Bhd said its wholly owned unit, Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd, has secured a RM249 million contract from Gilang Cendana Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, to construct new complex buildings on Lot 45 in Precinct 5, Putrajaya. Putrajaya Holdings is the master developer of the administrative capital.

 

Solar solutions provider Sunview Group Bhd has proposed to raise up to RM19.02 million via a private placement of up to 10% of its enlarged share capital to fund working capital for its engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) projects.

 

Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd’s 7.43%-owned 3D Energi Ltd said it has made an unexpected gas discovery in the Waarre C sandstones at the Charlemont Trend, Otway Basin, Australia, during Phase 1 of its exploration drilling programme.

Sentiment: Positive
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