KUALA LUMPUR: Asian markets started sharply lower as equities prices tracked Wall Street's steep decline that saw the Nasdaq falling more than 2% in a tech sell-off.
This followed a US jobs report that poured cold water on the chances the US Federal Reserve will cut the interest rate in December.
Back home, the benchmark FBM KLCI showed resilience despite the widespread selling in global equities, losing just 1.24 points to 1,617.72 at the open even as tech shares dragged on regional markets.
Comparatively, Japan's Nikkei was down 2.07% to 48,780 and South Korea's Kopsi plunged 3.7% to 3,873. Australia's ASX200 fell 1.37% to 8,435.
TA Securities noted the overnight correction in US equities would drag the local market lower as stretched technology valuations and persistent concerns over excessive AI spending weighed on sentiment.
"Immediate support stays at the 61.8%FR (1,564), with stronger supports seen at the 50%FR (1,527) followed by the 38.2%FR (1,490). Immediate resistance is maintained at the December 2024 high of 1,644, with the highs of 1,684, and 1,695 as tougher upside hurdles," it said in a note.
Separately, Rakuten Trade said it was advocating for stock accumulation at current levels while aknowledging the weaker investor sentiment.
The research firm said funds may be looking ahead of 2026 figures for the latest revised valuation, and expects the index to trade between the 1,620-1,630 range today.
Among the most actively traded shares on Bursa Malaysia, Tanco dropped tow sen to RM1.01, Perak Transit was unchanged at 28 sen and Aquawalk shaved 0.5 sen to 35 sen.
