KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI bucked the regional trend to close higher on Friday, supported by stronger first-quarter 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) data amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Malaysia’s economy is seen expanding 5.3% in 1Q2026, according to advance estimates.
At the close, the FBM KLCI finished 5.5 points, or 0.33%, higher at 1,695.21, after touching an intraday high of 1,696.39. On a weekly basis, the benchmark index rose 0.23%.
Market breadth was positive, with 612 gainers, 476 losers and 607 counters unchanged on Bursa Malaysia. Turnover stood at 3.46 billion shares worth RM3.08bil.
Dealers said sentiment remained cautious despite the gains, as investors tracked developments in the Middle East and awaited potential weekend talks for clarity on whether the US–Iran conflict may be nearing resolution.
Reuters reported that Donald Trump said Iran has made key concessions in negotiations with the United States, raising hopes that a deal to end the conflict could be reached in the near term.
He added that progress in talks has improved significantly in recent months, although uncertainties remain as both sides continue to negotiate key issues.
Among the gainers on Bursa Malaysia, United Plantations jumped 62 sen to RM34.18, Allianz rose 50 sen to RM21.20, F&N added 32 sen to RM31.00, and Ayer climbed 22 sen to RM7.42.
In contrast, PETRONAS Dagangan slid 26 sen to RM20.58, KESM fell 12 sen to RM3.23, Frontken lost 10 sen to RM4.30, while Batu Kawan declined 10 sen to RM4.30.
Empire Premium Food, which debuted on the Main Market today, surged 34 sen, or 48.57%, to RM1.04, making it one of the top gainers.
The food and beverage counter was also the most actively traded stock on Bursa Malaysia, with 266.55 million shares changing hands.
Meanwhile, the ringgit weakened to 3.9565, down 0.06% against the US dollar, and edged 0.03% lower against the Singapore dollar to 3.1096.
According to data from Bursa Malaysia, foreign investors and retailers sold RM88mil and RM144mil worth of equities respectively on Thursday, while local institutions net bought RM232mil.
Around the region, MSCI’s Asia ex-Japan stock index fell 0.74%, with most regional bourses ending lower. Among the key regional markets:
Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 1.75% to 58,475.90;
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.89% to 26,160.33;
China’s CSI300 Index declined 0.17% to 4,728.67;
Taiwan’s Taiex lost 0.88% to 36,804.34;
South Korea’s Kospi gave up 0.55% to 6,191.92; and
Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.2% to 4,997.27 points.
