KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia extended its losses yesterday as investors remained on the sidelines amid persistent uncertainties and the absence of significant market catalysts, an analyst says.
At 5pm, the FBM KLCI declined 1.23%, or 20.92 points, to settle at its intraday low of 1,679.92 points from Monday’s close of 1,700.84.
The benchmark index opened 2.26 points better at 1,703.1, which marked its highest level for the session.
Market breadth stayed negative as decliners trounced gainers 878 to 325, while 475 counters were unchanged, 1,048 untraded and 13 suspended.
Turnover improved to 3.35 billion units valued at RM3.12bil against 3.29 billion units worth RM2.4bil on Monday.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said sentiment remained cautious as investors were reluctant to establish significant long positions amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
While the recent peace agreement has helped reduce immediate concerns over a broader conflict in West Asia, market participants continue to monitor developments closely as the situation remains fluid.
“Nevertheless, the recent pullback has made valuations of selected blue-chip stocks more attractive, potentially spurring bargain hunting should external conditions stabilise.
“Overall, we expect the FBM KLCI to move within the 1,680 to 1,700 range for the rest of the week,” he said. — Bernama
