Banks likely to be investors’ defensive play

RHB Research noted that the US tariff decision remains a dampener for banks.

PETALING JAYA: Larger-capitalised local banking stocks are likely to be the focus of investors amid the heightened risk and volatility affecting the markets, with defensive dividend stocks the main picks.

RHB Research said CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, which currently trades at financial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY25) price-to-book value (P/BV) of 0.96 times, “is the cheapest among the large banks, while its FY25 dividend yield is an attractive 6.5%”.