Consumer Stocks Lift Bursa Malaysia as FBM KLCI Defies Regional Market Uncertainty
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended Thursday’s trading session slightly higher as strong buying interest in consumer-related stocks helped the local bourse withstand mixed sentiment across regional markets amid lingering geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
The benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed 1.40 points, or 0.08 per cent, higher at 1,711.39 compared with Tuesday’s close of 1,709.99.
The index opened strongly, rising 12.36 points to 1,722.35 before moving within a range of 1,711.31 and 1,722.63 throughout the day. Although some profit-taking activities emerged in the afternoon session, the market managed to retain modest gains by the close.
Market breadth, however, remained negative with losing counters outnumbering gainers. A total of 678 stocks declined compared with 493 gainers, while 549 counters remained unchanged. Another 1,016 counters were untraded and 34 were suspended.
Trading activity improved with total volume rising to 4.50 billion shares worth RM3.45 billion compared with 3.93 billion shares in the previous session.
Analysts said bargain hunting continued to support selected blue-chip counters, particularly companies with resilient earnings and attractive valuations.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said investors remained cautious despite positive global developments, as concerns over the global economic outlook and foreign fund flows continued to weigh on sentiment.
He noted that investors are becoming increasingly selective in choosing stocks, focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and sustainable growth prospects.
“We remain cautiously optimistic on the local market. At the moment, we expect the FBM KLCI to trade within the 1,700 to 1,720 range heading into the weekend,” he said.
Meanwhile, IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said global market sentiment improved following a preliminary agreement signed by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia.
He said the development raised hopes that tensions between the United States and Iran could ease further, helping restore investor confidence across regional equity markets.
“Investors will continue to monitor developments surrounding the peace process in West Asia, movements in crude oil prices and upcoming global economic data.
“If geopolitical risks continue to ease, sectors that benefit from lower energy and transportation costs could see stronger investor interest,” he said.
Among heavyweight counters, consumer-related stocks emerged as the main drivers of the market.
99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Berhad surged 17 sen to RM3.57, making it one of the biggest contributors to the FBM KLCI’s gains.
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad climbed 32 sen to RM8.52, while MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad gained seven sen to RM1.68.
Banking stocks were mixed, with Malayan Banking Berhad remaining unchanged at RM11.16, while Public Bank Berhad slipped five sen to RM5.00.
Among actively traded stocks, Tanco Holdings Berhad fell half a sen to 14.5 sen, while Hong Seng Consolidated Berhad declined one sen.
Zetrix AI Berhad lost three sen to 77 sen as investors took profits after earlier gains.
Meanwhile, newly listed ACE Market company Sum Technology Holdings Berhad jumped 24.5 sen to 52.5 sen, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects.
Among the top gainers, Hong Leong Industries Berhad rose 66 sen to RM19.14, while Petronas Dagangan Berhad added 36 sen to RM18.64.
Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad climbed 24 sen to RM32.50, and Hong Leong Bank Berhad advanced 18 sen to RM22.18.
On the downside, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad was among the biggest losers, falling RM1.66 to RM95.14.
Malaysian Pacific Industries Berhad declined 74 sen to RM48.56, while Paragon Globe Berhad dropped 58 sen to RM1.71.
Despite the challenging global environment, Bursa Malaysia’s resilience continues to be supported by domestic consumption and selective buying in quality stocks, giving investors reason to remain cautiously optimistic about the market’s near-term outlook.
