Kuala lumpur: Bursa Malaysia ended almost flat on Monday, with the key index slipping 0.08 per cent, reflecting cautious market tone amid mixed domestic developments and bucking the broader regional trend. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) erased 1.27 points to 1,524.59 from last Friday’s close of 1,525.86. The benchmark index was 0.60 of a point better at 1,526.86 at the opening bell and moved between 1,520.02 and 1,526.46 throughout the trading session.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the market breadth was negative, with 607 losers overtaking 342 gainers and 504 counters unchanged, while 1,014 were untraded and seven suspended. Turnover improved to 3.5 billion shares worth RM2.68 billion from 3.18 billion shares worth RM2.81 billion on last Friday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng noted that while upbeat sentiment was observed across Asia, selling pressure persisted across emerging markets. He suggested that investor funds are moving towards Hong Kong and Chinese equities, with ongoing foreign and retail selling reflecting a cautious sentiment locally.
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan mentioned that investors are assessing news of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe, launched last Thursday in connection with alleged corruption involving a data centre project tender. Despite initial concerns, the investigation’s impact seems limited to selected counters, with no signs of broader market contagion. Stocks linked to data centres, telecommunications, and industrials were among the leading gainers, suggesting resilient investor sentiment towards these sectors.
Mohd Sedek also indicated that investors are expected to adopt a selective stance, reassessing exposures within the data centre and technology sectors rather than engaging in broad-based selling. Among heavyweight stocks, Maybank and Tenaga Nasional remained flat, Public Bank dipped slightly, while CIMB and IHH showed modest gains.
In terms of market activity, SunCon saw a significant decline, NexG and Pharmaniaga registered gains, while Tanco experienced a slight loss. On the broader index board, declines were observed across FBM Emas Index, FBMT 100 Index, and FBM Emas Shariah Index. Sector-wise, while the Industrial Products and Services Index and the Energy Index saw slight improvements, the Financial Services Index and the Plantation Index faced declines.
The Main Market volume saw a reduction, while warrant turnover also decreased. However, the ACE Market volume witnessed an increase. Consumer products and services, industrial products, and technology sectors accounted for significant shares traded on the Main Market.