Kuala lumpur: The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives is anticipated to exhibit range-bound trading next week, with a slight upward tendency due to improved global sentiment and decreasing geopolitical tensions. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd's vice-president of equity research, Thong Pak Leng, indicated the local benchmark index might fluctuate within the 1,680-1,710 range, with the 1,680 level serving as near-term support.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the potential for gains could be fueled by ongoing bargain hunting and any positive strides in peace negotiations. However, Thong noted that the increase might be gradual because of persistent uncertainties. Over the past week, futures contracts experienced range-bound trading similar to the cash market's performance.

Thong observed that during the week, the FBM KLCI maintained around the 1,690 mark, with buying interest noticeable during dips, especially in selected heavyweight stocks and defensive sectors. Nonetheless, overall market participation remained cautious, with foreign investment flows becoming more mixed following earlier accumulations.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the April 2026 contract rose by 3.0 points to 1,688.50, May 2026 increased by 2.5 points to 1,689.0, June 2026 went up by 1.5 points to 1,688.5, and September 2026 climbed by 4.0 points to 1,669.5. Weekly turnover increased to 36,256 lots from 32,544 lots the previous week, while open interest slightly decreased to 38,257 contracts from 38,759 contracts a week earlier.

For the week, the FBM KLCI rose 3.90 points to 1,695.21 from the previous week's 1,691.31, indicating a positive shift in market dynamics.