Apex officially launches Discretionary Trading (“DT”)! Click here for more info!
Market Highlights
Market Outlook
Mon, 04 May 2026 07:38 am
Market Outlook - Oil, AI and Uncertainty: What Drives Markets in May?

• The FBM KLCI rose 31.66 points, or 1.9% month-on-month, in April 2026 as investors looked past near-term tensions, supported by AI-driven tech strength and hopes of renewed diplomacy. 
• We are of the view that market will likely remain range-bound in May.
• Key events to watch out for: the release of CPI and PPI on 12 and 13 May, the FOMC minutes on 21 May, the upcoming Fed chair transition, a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, and domestic earnings season.
• Our top three picks are ViTrox, Mi Technovation, and MSC.

Economic Update
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:21 am
US FOMC Meeting - Fed wary of inflation risks

The Fed kept the policy rate at 3.50–3.75%, with one dissenter favouring a 25-bp cut. Notably, three members opposed retaining the easing bias in the statement.  

Focus now turns to the upcoming Fed chair transition and Kevin Warsh’s policy framework.

With the Fed’s focus likely shifting towards containing inflation, we now expect the Fed to remain on hold through 2026 (one 25-bp cut previously).

Expectations of a more neutral Fed, together with safe-haven demand, should keep the US dollar supported. We expect USD/MYR to trade within 3.95-4.05 in the near term.

We keep our view that BNM will keep the OPR at 2.75% through 2026 to preserve growth.

Economic Update
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:53 am
Malaysia External Trade - Resilience amid external headwinds

Exports held firm at +8.3% YoY in March (Feb: +10.7%), while imports accelerated to +10.4% (Feb: +8.2%). The trade surplus widened to RM24.6bn (Feb: RM16.7bn).

The quarterly trade surplus of RM63.2bn (4Q25: RM48.6bn) points to a stronger external sector contribution to 1Q26 GDP.

Manufacturing exports sustained growth (+9.6% YoY; Feb: +12.7%), with E&E maintaining double-digit expansion, while commodity exports remained weak.

While risks of supply chain disruption from the Middle East conflict persist, current import trends suggest no material impact at this juncture.

Exports should remain supported by sustained E&E demand and higher commodity prices. However, external headwinds from the Middle East conflict and tariff uncertainty remain.

We maintain our 2026 export growth forecast at +4.8% YoY (2025: +6.4%).

Technical Calls
Stock Research
Derivatives Market Performance
Sector Reports
Market Mover
Settlement Rates
Currency Buy Rates (RM) Sell Rates (RM)
USD 3.940203 3.972011
EUR 4.632851 4.637764
CNY 0.579467 0.580099
HKD 0.503290 0.506852
SGD 3.092814 3.114765
Latest Quarter Report
Stock FYE Quarter
31 May 2025 3 Qtr, Feb 2025
31 Dec 2024 4 Qtr, Dec 2024
31 Dec 2024 4 Qtr, Dec 2024
28 Feb 2025 4 Qtr, Feb 2025
31 Jan 2025 4 Qtr, Jan 2025
31 Oct 2025 1 Qtr, Jan 2025
31 Jul 2025 2 Qtr, Jan 2025
30 Apr 2025 3 Qtr, Jan 2025
31 Jul 2025 Other, Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025 4 Qtr, Jan 2025