Opening Daily Highlight
Local
Markets Rebound Amid Cooling Geopolitical Fears
Wed, 11-Mar-2026 07:56 am
by Research Team • Apex Research

Malaysia Market Review: The FBM KLCI gains (+1.64%) on Tuesday, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation in the Iran conflict, alongside stronger-than-expected Malaysia’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. Market breadth was positive, with 958 advancers outpacing 356 decliners. Sector-wise, Technology (+3.28%), Healthcare (+3.03%), and Telecommunications & Media (+2.79%) led gains, while Energy (-3.12%), Plantation (-0.86%), and Industrial Products (-0.23%) were the main laggards. 


Global Markets. Wall Street ended mixed on Monday, with the S&P 500 (-0.21%) and Dow (- 0.07%) closing lower, while the Nasdaq (+0.01%) finished marginally higher as investors monitored developments in the Iran conflict (CNBC). In Europe, the STOXX 600 (+1.88%) closed higher, snapping a three-days losses and most regional bourses and sectors ending in positive territory (CNBC). Asian equities closed broadly higher, led by gains in the Nikkei 225 (+2.88%), Hang Seng (+2.17%), and Shenzhen Composite (+2.04%). 


Market Outlook. Global market sentiment remains volatile as investors assess conflicting developments surrounding the conflict involving Iran and its implications for global energy supply. Latest reports indicate that the U.S. military has eliminated 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, after President Donald Trump warned that any mines placed in the critical oil shipping route must be removed immediately. While Trump suggested the conflict may be nearing its end, military operations continue, keeping geopolitical risks elevated. Oil prices have swung sharply, briefly falling to near $80 per barrel before rebounding to around $90, amid speculation that major economies could release strategic reserves to ease potential supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Against this backdrop, markets are likely to remain volatile as investors monitor geopolitical developments and policy responses aimed at stabilising global energy supply and inflation expectations. 


Sector focus. Pivot towards export-oriented sectors amid heightened geopolitical risks and currency volatility. USD-linked exporters may benefit from ringgit weakness, supporting earnings translation. Meanwhile, banking and REITs remain attractive for their resilient earnings visibility and stable dividend yields. 

FBMKLCI Technical Outlook

Technical Commentary: The FBM KLCI staged a strong rebound yesterday, reclaiming its position above the previously prevailing uptrend line. This price action suggests that the earlier breakdown may have been a false signal, although confirmation from the next few closing sessions is still required. As long as the index holds above the 1,685–1,690 support zone, the prevailing uptrend is likely to remain intact. A decisive break below this level would weaken the technical structure and may signal a deeper corrective phase. 

Company News (source: various)

NexG Bhd executive chairman Datuk Abu Hanifah Noordin has filed a lawsuit to block his suspension and maintain the current board structure ahead of a requisitioned EGM. Separately, bank accounts of MMAG Holdings Bhd and NexG Bina Bhd have been frozen by police under an AMLA investigation, although both companies said they have not received formal notice. (TheEdge) 


Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd’s IPO public issue was oversubscribed by 5.57 times, receiving applications for 1.51 billion shares worth RM8.42b ahead of its Main Market listing. (TheEdge)

 
IGB Bhd has obtained Ministry of Economy approval for its RM214.97m acquisition of two leasehold land parcels in Johor Bahru via a joint venture with a Johor state-owned company. (TheEdge) 


Tien Wah Press Holdings Bhd said its Dubai operations remain unaffected by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. (TheEdge) 


Kumpulan Kitacon Bhd secured an RM89m construction contract in Gombak, Selangor, with works expected to be completed within 20 months. (TheEdge) 


Magni-Tech Industries Bhd’s 3QFY2026 net profit fell 23.1% y-o-y to RM30.74m due to higher forex losses, while revenue rose slightly to RM376.35m. The group declared a third interim dividend of 2.5 sen per share. (TheEdge) 
 

Sentiment: Neutral
Read more details in:

Disclaimer

The report is for internal and private circulation only and shall not be reproduced either in part or otherwise without the prior written consent of Apex Securities Berhad. The opinions and information contained herein are based on available data believed to be reliable. It is not to be construed as an offer, invitation or solicitation to buy or sell the securities covered by this report.

Opinions, estimates and projections in this report constitute the current judgment of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Apex Securities Berhad and are subject to change without notice. Apex Securities Berhad has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a reader thereof in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate.

Apex Securities Berhad does not warrant the accuracy of anything stated herein in any manner whatsoever and no reliance upon such statement by anyone shall give rise to any claim whatsoever against Apex Securities Berhad. Apex Securities Berhad may from time to time have an interest in the company mentioned by this report. This report may not be reproduced, copied or circulated without the prior written approval of Apex Securities Berhad.

Market Mover
Settlement Rates
Currency Buy Rates (RM) Sell Rates (RM)
USD 3.910377 3.937879
EUR 4.569448 4.574274
CNY 0.570355 0.570962
HKD 0.499714 0.503245
SGD 3.073223 3.095012