KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia started the week on a weaker note, with the benchmark FBM KLCI slipping in early trade as investors remained cautious ahead of key economic data releases from major global markets.
The FBM KLCI slid 14.55 points, or 0.86% to 1,678.88 at 9.23 am. The index opened down 9.89 points at 1,683.54 earlier.
Among the losers, Malaysian Pacific Industries
fell RM1.60 to RM45.20, Nestle declined 78 sen to RM93.50, PETRONAS Dagangan eased 42 sen to RM18.82, and Allianz slipped 38 sen to RM20.60.
Among the gainers, PJBumi rose nine sen to RM3.34, EITA gained eight sen to 55 sen, Sarawak Oil Palms added five sen to RM4.60, and TMK Chemical advanced four sen to RM2.14.
Berjaya Research Sdn Bhd expects the FBM KLCI to build on last week's recovery, with sentiment remaining cautiously constructive amid mild bargain-hunting interest.
Investors are taking comfort in the index's improving near-term momentum following the prolonged sell-off in recent weeks.
On the external front, the research house said market participants will be closely monitoring the release of Japan's 1Q2026 GDP data, which will be scrutinised for further insights into the health of the world's fourth-largest economy.
Technically, the key index formed another bullish candlestick as it retested the EMA120 level, it said.
“The near-term resistance is pegged at the 1,700 psychological level, followed by the 1,707 points.
“On the other hand, the immediate support is located at the 1,672 points and thereafter at 1,665 points,” Berjaya said.
Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade said that despite ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East, crude oil prices had eased, with Brent crude falling to around US$93 per barrel.
“For today, we anticipate the index to hover within the 1,690–1,700 range,” it said.
