KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade cautiously next week, as investors adopt a measured yet constructive stance while navigating both domestic and external developments.
IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said next week begins with the release of China’s October Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Sunday, which is likely to reaffirm persistent deflationary pressures.
"This could deepen concerns over subdued regional demand and weigh on Malaysian exporters closely tied to China’s supply chain.
"As a result, near-term sentiment towards electrical and electronics, commodity, and manufacturing-linked sectors may remain cautious, given China’s significance as Malaysia’s largest trading partner,” he told Bernama.
On the domestic front, Mohd Sedek said investors are shifting focus on the release of Malaysia’s official third-quarter (3Q) gross domestic product (GDP) data on Friday, which will be a key point that could set the tone for market direction.
"Preliminary estimates released last month indicated a robust growth of 5.2 per cent, surpassing the 4.4 per cent expansion recorded in the first half of the year.
"If the final figure meets or exceeds expectations, it would reaffirm Malaysia’s resilient growth momentum, underpinned by steady household spending, a sustained recovery in tourism, and continued strength in the services sector,” he said.
On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the FBM KLCI rose 9.98 points to 1,619.13 from last week’s 1,609.15.
For the index board, the FBM Emas Index increased 10.71 points to 12,034.07, the FBMT 100 Index garnered 32.31 points to 11,793.48, while the FBM ACE Index tumbled 170.66 points to 5,050.73, the FBM 70 Index dropped 129.23 points to 16,926.84, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index slid 49.78 points to 12,048.33.
By sector, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 3.21 points to 168.40 the Energy Index dipped 4.78 points to 766.46. The Financial Services Index climbed 213.98 points to 18,337.24 and the Plantation Index jumped 115.99 points to 8,103.08.
Weekly turnover increased to 15.84 billion units worth RM10.21 billion compared with 13.59 billion units worth RM10.70 billion a week ago.
The Main Market volume declined to 6.99 billion units worth RM8.42 billion from 7.56 billion units worth RM9.55 billion previously.
Warrants turnover expanded to 6.54 billion units valued at RM1.18 billion versus 4.38 billion units valued at RM459.48 million in the preceding week.
The ACE Market volume advanced to 2.31 billion units valued at RM606.44 million compared with 1.64 billion units valued at RM672.11 million a week ago. - Bernama
