Kuala lumpur: Bursa Malaysia ended its three-day winning streak, closing at an intraday low as investors engaged in profit-taking, mirroring the subdued performance of regional markets. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell by 20.86 points, or 1.30 per cent, to settle at 1,581.59, down from the previous close of 1,602.45.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the benchmark index initially opened slightly higher, gaining 0.45 points to 1,602.90, and reached an intraday peak of 1,604.52 in early trading. However, the broader market saw decliners outpacing advancers with 635 losers compared to 407 gainers, while 495 counters remained unchanged, 1,091 were untraded, and 21 were suspended.
Market turnover surged significantly, registering 4.30 billion units valued at RM6.46 billion, up from 2.90 billion units worth RM3.17 billion on the previous trading day. Thong Pak Leng, vice-president of equity research at Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, noted that key regional indices also ended lower as investors secured profits ahead of a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) speech addressing the direction of U.S. interest rates. He suggested that the profit-taking was anticipated and seen as a healthy market correction to consolidate recent gains, with a short-term consolidation expected before the index resumes its upward trajectory.
Meanwhile, Mohd Sedek Jantan, head of investment research at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd, stated that overall market sentiment remains constructive. The recent announcement of the 13th Malaysia Plan and upcoming fiscal measures in Budget 2026 are expected to improve policy visibility, reinforcing a positive outlook for Malaysia’s equity market. This is supported by resilient performance in mid-cap stocks, especially in the construction and energy sectors, alongside solid trade momentum, which broadens investment opportunities beyond the benchmark index.
Among major stocks, Maybank and CIMB dropped by 10 sen to RM9.75 and RM7.40 respectively, while Public Bank, Tenaga Nasional, and IHH Healthcare also saw declines. Among active counters, Sime Darby and Genting Bhd experienced losses, whereas Magma Group gained.
Sectoral indices reflected the market’s downturn, with the FBM Emas, FBMT 100, and other indices showing significant declines. However, the Energy Index saw a minor improvement. Trading volumes for the Main Market and Warrants saw substantial increases, while the ACE Market volume slightly decreased. Consumer products and services led the trade volume on the Main Market, followed by industrial products and services, and construction.
Overall, the day’s trading activity highlighted a strategic pause in the market’s recent rally, as investors took stock of regional market trends and anticipated future economic policy announcements.