Post by : Shweta

Bursa Malaysia Ends Lower on Middle East Tensions

West Asia Conflict Weighs on Market Sentiment

Bursa Malaysia ended lower on Thursday as investors reacted cautiously to renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Concerns over possible disruptions to global energy supplies and rising uncertainty in international markets led many investors to adopt a defensive approach throughout the trading session.

FBM KLCI Closes Nearly Six Points Lower

At the close of trading, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 5.97 points, or 0.36 percent, to finish at 1,677.64 compared with the previous close of 1,683.61. The benchmark index opened lower and traded between 1,676.18 and 1,683.80 during the day before ending in negative territory.

Market Breadth Remains Positive Despite Decline

Although the benchmark index closed lower, overall market participation remained relatively healthy. Gainers slightly outnumbered losers, showing that investors continued selective buying in several sectors including financial services, consumer products, telecommunications and industrial companies despite broader market caution.

Read more :-  Iran Questions US Credibility Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Skirmishes

Geopolitical Risks Raise Energy Supply Concerns

Market analysts said investor confidence weakened after reports that the United States carried out a second consecutive day of military strikes on Iranian targets while also revoking Iran’s oil export waiver. The developments increased fears of further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, an important global energy shipping route.

BNM Keeps Interest Rate Unchanged

Providing some stability to domestic markets, Bank Negara Malaysia announced that its Monetary Policy Committee had maintained the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75 percent for the seventh consecutive meeting. Analysts believe the decision offers businesses and investors greater certainty while supporting Malaysia’s economic outlook.

Banking Stocks Drag Index Lower

Among heavyweight counters, Maybank and Public Bank each lost eight sen, while CIMB declined four sen. Tenaga Nasional and IHH Healthcare ended unchanged. Meanwhile, ACE Market newcomer SRKK AI recorded a strong debut, jumping 29 sen to close at 61 sen and emerging among the day's top performers.

Mixed Performance Across Market Sectors

The Energy Index posted modest gains as higher oil prices supported selected energy stocks. However, plantation, financial services and industrial product indices finished lower. Trading activity also slowed slightly, with turnover falling to 2.64 billion units valued at RM2.19 billion as investors remained cautious ahead of further geopolitical developments.

#world news #Global News #Business News #Asia News #Malaysia #Malaysia News