Kuala lumpur: Local institutions have extended their net buying streak on Bursa Malaysia for the fifth consecutive week, with net inflows amounting to RM233.2 million last week amidst continued foreign selling across regional equity markets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, retailers shifted to net buying after the previous week's outflows, achieving net inflows of RM92.4 million during the week ending May 15. On the other hand, foreign institutions returned to net selling following the previous week's inflows, marking net outflows of RM325.5 million. This shift was influenced by ongoing inflationary pressures, elevated oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainties.
The data from MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB) revealed that foreign institutions experienced net outflows on four out of the five trading days during the week, with the largest outflow occurring on Friday at RM202.9 million. This was followed by Tuesday with RM64.9 million, Thursday with RM60.3 million, and Wednesday with RM19.4 million. Monday stood out as an exception, recording net inflows totaling RM22 million.
MBSB IB also noted that across monitored markets, foreigners reverted to net selling after a week of inflows, with total net foreign outflows reaching US$17.12 billion. South Korea recorded the largest foreign outflow during the week, followed by Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In contrast, Thailand and the Philippines were the only markets to record net inflows.
The technology sector on Bursa Malaysia registered the highest net foreign inflows at RM135.5 million, followed by industrial products and services at RM75.9 million, and financial services at RM75.6 million. The average daily trading volume (ADTV) varied across investor classes, with increases of 14.2 percent for retailers and 3.4 percent for foreign institutions, while local institutions saw a decline of 3.7 percent.
MBSB IB highlighted that Malaysia's economic growth remained stable in the first quarter of 2026, maintaining a growth rate above 5.0 percent for the third consecutive quarter. This was supported by domestic spending, business activity, and resilient exports. The labor market remained strong in March 2026, with the unemployment rate steady at 2.9 percent for the fifth consecutive month, staying below the 3.0 percent threshold.
The investment bank further reported that labor demand strengthened in April 2026, with job vacancies increasing by 15,000 to 122,000 from 107,000 in March. This growth was primarily driven by the services sector, particularly in administrative and support services, as well as professional, scientific, and technical activities.