Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI rose 0.62% on Thursday, supported by improved sentiment following firmer-than-expected macroeconomic data. Malaysia’s January CPI showed headline inflation steady at 1.6% YoY, while core inflation remained unchanged at 2.3%, suggesting contained price pressures. Market breadth was positive, with 749 gainers outpacing 287 losers. Sector-wise, Energy (+2.56%), Technology (+2.23%) and Healthcare (+2.06%) led the gains.
Global Markets. Wall Street closed lower on Thursday, with the Dow (-0.54%), S&P 500 (-0.28%) and Nasdaq (-0.31%) retreating as oil prices posted their biggest daily gain since October amid rising concerns over a potential US military strike on Iran, a key oil producer. European equities also ended weaker as investors digested mixed corporate earnings. In Asia, several markets remained closed for the Chinese New Year holidays, including mainland China and Hong Kong, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.57% supported by stronger macroeconomic data, with January exports surging 16.8% largely driven by semiconductor demand.
Market Outlook. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed Brent Oil to USD71.96/bbl (+4.93%) amid concerns that a potential US military strike on Iran could disrupt global oil supply, with prices likely to rise further if tensions escalate. At the same time, oil-driven inflation concerns have weighed on US Treasuries, while upcoming US inflation data and mixed Federal Reserve signals continue to cloud the global rate outlook. For Malaysia, higher crude prices may lift interest in energy-related counters, although broader market sentiment could remain cautious given external uncertainties. Overall, the FBM KLCI is expected to trade range-bound with a mild positive bias.
Sector focus. We favour the consumer sector, supported by ringgit strength that should ease imported cost pressures alongside a tourism rebound under Visit Malaysia 2026 that is expected to lift domestic spending. The energy sector also warrants attention amid firmer crude oil prices, while banking and REITs remain steady yield plays given their stable earnings visibility and attractive dividends.
FBMKLCI Technical Outlook
Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI closed Thursday at 1752.11, continuing to remain in consolidation around 1775 – 1720. The MACD line continues to trade below the signal line with a downward slope. Meanwhile, the RSI continues fluctuating within its range above 50. Resistance is located at 1,775, while support is envisaged around 1,720.
Company News (source: various)
Atlan Holdings Bhd’s indirect subsidiary, Selasih Ekslusif Sdn Bhd, has ceased its duty-free business operations at Berjaya Waterfront Johor Bahru and is terminating the tenancy agreement with the landlord.
Bina Puri Holdings Bhd is disposing of its 50% stake in the concessionaire of the KL-Kuala Lumpur Selangor Expressway (Latar) to the concessionaire’s managing director Datuk Mohamed Raffe Chekku for RM77 million.
FBG Holdings Bhd has secured a RM238.1 million contract for the main building works of a 25-storey hotel, The Tower 6, above the existing The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru.
IHH Healthcare Bhd’s Singapore unit, Northern TK Venture, has amended its injunctive claim in an ongoing legal dispute with Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd to block the Japanese pharmaceutical giant from obstructing the acquisition of shares and any other investment and corporate exercises in India-based healthcare group Fortis Healthcare Ltd and its subsidiary Malar Hospitals Ltd by making defamatory statements to India’s capital market regulator and the public at large.
Jentayu Sustainables Bhd’s group managing director Datuk Beroz Nilmak Mirdin has brought the company and 15 requisitionists of a proposed extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to court in a bid to block the EGM from being held.
MISC Bhd has secured long-term bareboat charter, and operations and maintenance contracts for Papua New Guinea’s first floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit.
Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd is exploring a potential sale of its ice cream business to UK-based Froneri.
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| Currency | Buy Rates (RM) | Sell Rates (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 3.892563 | 3.924067 |
| EUR | 4.608539 | 4.613620 |
| CNY | 0.566206 | 0.566976 |
| HKD | 0.498243 | 0.501858 |
| SGD | 3.073365 | 3.095310 |