KUALA LUMPUR: The domestic stock market opened on a flattish note after a steady decline below the 1,600-point level in the previous week.
Malacca Securities Research said Asian markets are expected to start the week on a softer note as as investors price in the potential impact of Trump’s tariff policies potentially reigniting inflation and a slower interest rate easing cycle expected in 2025.
"This week, traders will monitor key events, including a speech by the Bank of Japan governor, Nvidia’s earnings release, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and China’s loan prime rate announcements," the research firm said in a note.
At the opening bell, Malaysia's benchmark FBM KLCI rose 0.47 points to 1,592.91, but staying firmly below the 200-day simple moving average.
There was upside movement in glove stocks with Hartalega
gaining six sen to RM3.45, Kossan rising nine sen to RM2.37 and Top Glove climbing four sen to RM1.14.
Other leading gainers included Press Metal adding 20 sen to RM4.60, MAHB rising 10 sen to RM10.68 and Tenaga Nasional climbing six sen to RM14.26.
Among leading actives, Careplus rose one sen to 26 sen, Yew Lee rose 0.5 sen to 43 sen and MR DIY gained one sen to RM1.83.
