Opening Daily Highlight
Mixed
Trade Uncertainty Clouds Global Markets
Mon, 23-Feb-2026 08:22 am
by Research Team • Apex Research

Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI edged up 0.04% on Friday, supported by late bargain-hunting in selected heavyweights, particularly financial counters, after earlier profit-taking pressure. Market sentiment remained cautious amid a softer risk tone and geopolitical uncertainty. Market breadth was negative, with 700 decliners outpacing 384 advancers. Sector-wise, Telecommunications & Media (+2.35%), Energy (+0.23%) and Finance (+0.23%) led gains while Technology (-1.21%), Utilities (-0.80%) and REITs (-0.73%) were the main laggards.

 

Global Markets. Wall Street ended higher on Friday, with the Dow (+0.47%), S&P 500 (+0.69%) and Nasdaq (+0.90%) advancing after the US Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s tariffs imposed under IEEPA, easing trade uncertainty and lifting risk sentiment. European equities also ended higher, with the STOXX 600 rising 0.8% and the FTSE 100 gaining 0.56%, supported by positive 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 fell 1.12% amid a tech and e-commerce rout, and the Hang Seng (-1.10%) closed lower amid catch-up selling following a three-day holiday, tracking sharp losses in global tech stocks.  

 

Market Outlook.Global sentiment remains cautious after the US Supreme Court struck down broad tariff powers, easing some trade uncertainty. However, the newly imposed 15% global tariff and the risk of additional US tariff measures continue to cloud the outlook. Mixed US macro data and persistent inflation concerns keep Fed policy expectations uncertain. For Malaysia, the tariff ruling may benefit exports, but potential semiconductor levies under Section 232 remain key risks. Investors are likely to focus on upcoming corporate earnings. Overall, the FBM KLCI is expected to trade range-bound with a cautious bias amid ongoing geopolitical and trade uncertainties. 

 

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 attractive given their stable earnings visibility and attractive dividends.

 

FBMKLCI Technical Outlook

Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI closed flat on Friday after a muted trading session while it continues to remain above all major moving averages. Momentum remains mixed with the MACD line trading below the signal line and the RSI trading above 50. Resistance is located at 1,775, while support is envisaged around 1,720.

 

Company News (source: various)

Well Chip Group Bhd posted a record 4QFY2025 net profit of RM24.26 million, up 61.33% YoY. Revenue rose 32.69% to RM73.88 million. The group proposed a final dividend of 5.1 sen per share.

 

YTL Corporation Bhd’s unit YTL Live has named UK insurer Aviva as the naming rights partner for its 20,000-capacity Bristol arena, set to open in late 2028.

 

T7 Global Bhd’s unit has been appointed a PETRONAS panel contractor to provide professional and support services for two years.

 

Jentayu Sustainables Bhd declared a proposed Feb 27 EGM invalid, saying the requisitionists lacked the required 10% shareholding, and plans legal action.

 

Lembaga Tabung Haji re-emerged as a substantial shareholder in SKP Resources Bhd after raising its stake to 5.092%.

 

Velocity Capital Partner Bhd announced the immediate resignation of executive director See Toh Kean Yaw to pursue other interests.

Sentiment: Positive
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Market Mover
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EUR 4.587974 4.592881
CNY 0.564620 0.565245
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