Kuala lumpur: Bursa Malaysia is expected to move sideways next week as investors await a new round of global policy developments and economic data.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan highlighted several key indicators that will be crucial for investors. These include Japan's GDP, trade data, and inflation figures, along with Taiwan's export orders and Singapore's economic data. Mohd Sedek noted that these indicators will shape the regional macro backdrop as global risk sentiment remains fragile yet gradually improving.
Domestically, attention will turn to Malaysia's October external trade and Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Mohd Sedek stated that these releases will provide initial signals on the trajectory of fourth-quarter growth and gauge whether inflation pressure has remained stable following the BUDI95 implementation on Sept 30. From an economic standpoint, fuel subsidies tend to enhance real purchasing power while mechanically reducing headline inflation, affecting near-term price outlooks.
On the equity front, concerns about a potential AI valuation bubble may continue to impact US technology stocks. This could indirectly benefit markets like Malaysia, where the index is more heavily skewed toward financials. Mohd Sedek added that whether foreign investors will continue their net-buying streak into next week remains uncertain, but with global sentiment more constructive than in recent weeks, the balance of risks appears increasingly supportive.
On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the FBM KLCI rose 6.54 points to 1,625.67 from last week's 1,619.13. For the index board, the FBM Emas Index increased 20.78 points to 12,054.85, the FBMT 100 Index garnered 29.58 points to 11,823.06, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index rose 10.84 points to 12,059.17. The FBM ACE Index tumbled 66.97 points to 4,983.76, and the FBM 70 Index dropped 35.97 points to 16,890.87.
By sector, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 1.41 points to 166.99, while the Energy Index dipped 10.85 points to 755.61. The Financial Services Index climbed 94.10 points to 18,431.34 and the Plantation Index jumped 37.0 points to 8,140.08.
Weekly turnover was slightly lower at 14.56 billion units worth RM11.17 billion compared with 15.84 billion units worth RM10.21 billion a week ago. The Main Market volume declined to 5.98 billion units worth RM9.47 billion from 6.99 billion units worth RM8.42 billion previously. Warrants turnover expanded to 6.73 billion units valued at RM1.08 billion versus 6.54 billion units valued at RM1.18 billion in the preceding week. The ACE Market volume weakened to 1.83 billion units valued at RM611.92 million compared with 2.31 billion units valued at RM606.44 million a week ago.