logo
MARKET PULSE AM APRIL 30, 2025 [WATCH]

MARKET PULSE AM APRIL 30, 2025 [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: News on the latest moves on the stock and crypto markets.
Bursa Malaysia opened higher today, buoyed by Wall Street's strong overnight performance.
The rally was driven by easing US Treasury yields and the White House's softer stance on tariffs, including a planned rollback of the twenty five per cent duty on car-related imports.
Nonetheless, the market undertone is believed to remain strong, underpinned by reasonable valuations.
The index is expected to trend within the 1,510 to 1,525 range today.
In the crypto market, Bitcoin traded lower at RM410,266 as the US jobs report fuelled hopes of an interest rate cut.
Ethereum fell to RM7,830, and Solana was down at RM635.
That's it for Market Pulse.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

F&N 3Q net profit falls to RM84.81mil on weaker earnings, unrecognised tax assets
F&N 3Q net profit falls to RM84.81mil on weaker earnings, unrecognised tax assets

New Straits Times

time9 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

F&N 3Q net profit falls to RM84.81mil on weaker earnings, unrecognised tax assets

KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's (F&N) net profit fell to RM84.81 million in the third quarter ended June 30, 2025 from RM121.62 million in 3Q 2024. The decrease in profit after tax resulted from lower earnings and unrecognised deferred tax assets concerning the current year's dairy farm losses, the company said in a Bursa Malaysia filing today. Revenue also dropped 4.5 per cent to RM1.24 billion from RM1.30 billion previously, primarily due to lower revenue contribution from both food and beverages (F&B) in Malaysia and Indochina, reflecting cautious post-festive consumer sentiment and lower tourist arrivals in Thailand. "Strong double-digit export growth to other markets helped cushion the decline, although exports to Cambodia were affected by the Thailand-Cambodia border closure," it said. On prospects, F&N said the economic conditions across Malaysia and Indochina remain uncertain, shaped by cautious consumer sentiment, rising cost pressures and geopolitical tensions. "In response to the Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, the group activated safety protocols and implemented alternative export routes to Cambodia, including shipping from Malaysia, to ensure supply continuity. "In light of these developments, the group is maintaining proactive vigilance, refining its procurement and sales strategies and continuing to focus on innovation and healthier product offerings," it added. -- BERNAMA

Sapura Energy rebrands as Vantris Energy effective Aug 1
Sapura Energy rebrands as Vantris Energy effective Aug 1

The Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Sun

Sapura Energy rebrands as Vantris Energy effective Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Energy Bhd has officially rebranded as Vantris Energy Bhd, effective August 1, 2025. The change follows regulatory approval from the Companies Commission of Malaysia under Section 28 of the Companies Act 2016. The company stated in a Bursa Malaysia filing that the rebranding aligns with its proposed regularisation plan (PRP), which received overwhelming shareholder approval exceeding 99%. The PRP, greenlit by Bursa Malaysia in June 2025, includes capital reconstruction, debt restructuring, fundraising, and a proposed exemption. As part of the restructuring, Sapura Energy's total borrowings will decrease from RM10.8 billion to RM5.6 billion, cutting interest expenses by over RM500 million annually. 'This deleveraging strengthens our financial position, paving the way for profitability and renewed stakeholder confidence,' the company said. Additionally, Malaysia Development Holding Sdn Bhd will invest RM1.1 billion in redeemable convertible loan stocks to support the fundraising initiative. 'The proceeds will settle outstanding payments to local oil and gas vendors, reinforcing our commitment to the industry ecosystem,' Vantris Energy added. - Bernama

UMS Integration moving up supply chain, expanding Penang operations
UMS Integration moving up supply chain, expanding Penang operations

The Sun

time11 hours ago

  • The Sun

UMS Integration moving up supply chain, expanding Penang operations

KUALA LUMPUR: UMS Integration Ltd is ramping up its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing supply chain, eyeing higher‑value precision components and expanding its Penang facilities as part of a five‑year growth roadmap following its landmark secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia today. CEO Luong Andy said the Singapore‑headquartered precision engineering specialist, which already counts two major semiconductor clients among its key customers, sees 'tremendous opportunities' in advanced packaging solutions critical for AI chips, a segment driving global capital expenditure in semiconductors. 'We are moving up the semiconductor value chain and see many opportunities, especially in AI and high‑performance computing, where we have the know‑how and capability to produce the precision components needed,' Luong told reporters after the listing ceremony. The company's shares opened at RM5.15, 3% above the reference price of RM5, and traded as high as RM5.39 in early deals, valuing UMS Integration at about RM3.7 billion. The counter, categorised under the Industrial Products and Services sector on Bursa Malaysia, closed at RM5.50 a share. Executive director Stanley Loh Meng Chong said UMS Integration is doubling down on Penang, where it operates its largest production plant, to support growing orders for advanced semiconductor equipment. The company recently acquired additional land in Penang and plans to begin construction next year, adding about 200,000 sq ft to reach 1 million sq ft in total manufacturing space within the next two to three years. 'Penang remains central to our volume manufacturing strategy. This expansion will support key customers' ramp‑up in operations, especially for advanced node manufacturing and packaging linked to AI chips,' Loh said, adding that Malaysia's accessibility and talent pool make it a preferred base for scaling production. UMS Integration's secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia was undertaken by way of introduction, meaning no new funds were raised. The company retains its primary listing on the Singapore Exchange, where it last traded at S$1.52. Luong said the dual‑listing strategy is aimed at enhancing liquidity and providing 'flexibility to tap different equity markets' for future fundraising if needed. 'This listing broadens our investor base and positions us better to access capital when opportunities arise,' he noted. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, UMS Integration posted S$57.7 million in revenue, up 7% year‑on‑year, with net profit edging up to S$10.1 million. The semiconductor segment contributed 84% of revenue, followed by aerospace at 11%. The group remains in a net cash position of S$81.4 million and continues its policy of quarterly dividends, paying S$0.01 per share in July. UMS Integration has historically been reliant on one major customer but is now balancing its portfolio with a second key client of comparable size. Loh said this diversification, coupled with demand from AI‑driven chipmakers, is expected to underpin growth in 2025 and beyond. 'We believe this year will be better than last, and the years to come will also benefit from the trend of higher equipment spending,' he said. While research and development remains anchored in Singapore, Loh said Malaysia will continue to absorb most of the group's manufacturing investments, with Penang serving as its volume hub for global customers. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who officiated at the ceremony, hailed the cross‑border listing as a milestone for Malaysia's capital market and a signal of growing economic integration between Malaysia and Singapore. She said UMS Integration's move underscored confidence in the robustness of Bursa Malaysia's infrastructure, investor depth and governance standards, while aligning with the government's ambitions to position the country as a hub for regional and international listings. Lim highlighted Penang's pivotal role in UMS Integration's growth story, noting how the company's expansion has paralleled the state's rise as a global semiconductor and advanced manufacturing hub. 'UMS Integration's continued investment has not only enhanced Penang's manufacturing ecosystem but also created high‑value jobs and opportunities, aligned with the Penang 2030 vision to attract quality, future‑forward investment,' she said. She added that Malaysia's regulatory ecosystem is evolving to support innovation, digitalisation and sustainable finance, and expressed hope that UMS Integration's secondary listing would inspire other regional players with Malaysian ties to consider a presence on Bursa Malaysia. 'This milestone reflects our broader aspiration to connect Asean businesses with global investors, while driving high‑tech and capital‑intensive sectors critical to the region's growth,' Lim said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store