
Bursa Malaysia extends gains on improved US political outlook
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia continued its upward momentum, supported by improved market sentiment amid growing optimism over political developments in the United States.
At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) ended 0.55 per cent higher, rising 8.37 points to finish at 1,528.16, compared to its previous close of 1,519.79.
The broader market also saw a positive tone, with 509 gainers outpacing 406 losers, while 495 counters remained unchanged.
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan aid cyclical sectors on Bursa Malaysia, especially financial, industrial, and consumer-related counters are making a strong rebound.
"These sectors, which tend to benefit from lower interest rates and improved economic sentiment, responded positively to the increased likelihood of a more accommodative US monetary policy stance," he said.
He noted that the shifting outlook in the United States could offer Malaysia a twofold advantage, boosting investor confidence and attracting increased capital inflows.
"A weaker US dollar and dovish Fed would support the ringgit, enhance import purchasing power, and draw foreign investors back into Malaysian equities and bonds. However, challenges remain.
"The looming threat of the 24 per cent reciprocal US tariff on Malaysian exports, though temporarily suspended, continues to weigh on export-driven sectors," he said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
Stronger ringgit, Fed shift could draw capital to Malaysia: Investment research expert
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could attract renewed capital inflows into its bond and equity markets, underpinned by a stronger ringgit and a possible shift in US monetary policy. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the appreciating ringgit enhances Malaysia's import purchasing power and may boost foreign interest in local financial assets. However, he cautioned that the scale and durability of these inflows would depend on macroeconomic fundamentals, monetary policy stance and investor sentiment relative to regional peers. A Wall Street Journal report that US President Donald Trump is considering an early announcement of his nominee for the next Federal Reserve (Fed) chair has reverberated across global markets, with potential implications for Malaysia. 'Markets are beginning to anticipate a shift in US monetary policy, potentially resulting in a weaker greenback against the ringgit. At present, with the US Dollar Index (DXY) at 97.4 and the USD/MYR pair trading at approximately 4.225, the near-term trajectory of the ringgit is likely to hinge on the direction of US monetary policy,' Mohd Sedek told Bernama. DXY, which measures the US dollar against a basket of six major currencies, often influences global markets, including the ringgit's performance and Malaysia's export competitiveness. The ringgit has rebounded in recent days, rising from RM4.2948 per US dollar on June 23 to RM4.2327 on June 26, a 1.5% gain. Mohd Sedek noted that markets are aware of Trump's repeated criticism of Fed chair Jerome Powell, particularly over interest rates. A new appointee is expected to align more closely with Trump's economic preferences, favouring earlier and more aggressive rate cuts to address inflationary pressures from trade policies, including reciprocal tariffs currently on hold until July 9. These tariffs have contributed to the Fed's cautious approach to easing. 'Should the Fed implement a rate cut, potentially as early as September, with a 25-basis point reduction, the expected interest rate differential between the US and emerging markets would narrow, making non-dollar assets relatively more attractive. 'This is consistent with uncovered interest rate parity, where lower US yields would reduce the incentive to hold dollar assets, thereby exerting downward pressure on the US dollar,' Mohd Sedek said. He said a shift towards looser US monetary policy could also trigger a reallocation of global capital into higher-yielding emerging market assets, supporting currencies such as the ringgit. This portfolio rebalancing could be further amplified if investor confidence improves in tandem with greater clarity from the Fed. 'Under these conditions, an appreciation of the ringgit to around 4.15 is plausible, with potential for further gains. 'While currency movements are inherently complex, shaped by both cyclical and structural forces, a scenario in which the ringgit trades below 4.15 by year-end is not implausible, particularly if global risk appetite remains favourable and Malaysia's macroeconomic fundamentals remain intact,' he added. While the ringgit's gains have been modest, Mohd Sedek said, Malaysia's export base is highly diversified and increasingly integrated within the region. A significant portion of exports to Asean, China and East Asia is denominated in local or regional currencies. In addition, the Malaysian government, working with regional partners, has been actively promoting local currency settlement mechanisms to reduce reliance on the US dollar. 'This reduces the pass-through effect of MYR-USD fluctuations on trade competitiveness, particularly within Asia,' Mohd Sedek said. He added that Malaysia's key export sectors – such as semiconductors, palm oil, petrochemicals and machinery components – compete more on value-added, supply chain resilience and compliance standards than on pricing alone. This offers some protection from currency-induced pricing shifts. For example, high-tech electrical and electronic exports are typically less price-sensitive than commodity exports, allowing Malaysia to maintain market share despite ringgit strength. That said, Mohd Sedek warned that policymakers should remain alert. If the ringgit strengthens too quickly or significantly, profit margins of small and medium-sized exporters and low-margin manufacturers could come under pressure. 'However, this would warrant a targeted policy response – for example, fiscal support or foreign exchange risk management tools – rather than an immediate monetary recalibration. 'The appropriate policy approach, therefore, is vigilant but not reactive, ensuring macro stability is not compromised in an attempt to micro-manage currency levels,' he added.


The Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Sun
UK's new envoy to Malaysia to prioritise cooperation in semiconductor sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, has made strengthening bilateral cooperation a key priority, with a particular focus on the fast-growing semiconductor sector and the development of integrated chip design and advanced manufacturing. He said the British government is keen to strengthen linkages and exchange ideas to increase the value chain in both countries in the semiconductor industry and the manufacture of high-end chips. This aligns with Malaysia's ambitions under the National Semiconductor Strategy to transition from outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing to high-end manufacturing and niche capabilities such as integrated circuit design. 'We have seen a Malaysian company invest in a new compound semiconductor facility in Wales,' he said, referring to SMD Semiconductor, a Sarawak state-owned firm that recently opened a research and development innovation hub in Newport, an industrial port city in Wales. 'Therefore, I really want to work with Malaysia on the semiconductor industry. Malaysia is already involved in different parts of the value chain, and we can complement and learn from each other,' he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's The Nation programme recently. Sharma, who succeeded Ailsa Terry, previously served in Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Moscow and Paris. He also sees potential for a UK-Malaysia partnership in offering specialised courses on semiconductors and chip design in British universities, where a significant number of Malaysian students pursue higher education. 'We can also collaborate with local universities to bring Malaysian talent to the UK and set up courses here. Then we could see these courses develop and expand to Malaysia as well,' he said. He also highlighted clean energy as an area for increased bilateral cooperation, in which Malaysia has immense potential and where Britain could play a supporting role. 'Malaysia has huge natural resources, immense opportunities in clean energy and is working on significant development on carbon capture, green tech and energy transition. Malaysia also has creative and innovative technologies which can be used in our universities, labs and expanded into businesses. 'This interests me to try to get more investments from both countries in this sector as well,' said Sharma. Sharma said he is keen to boost two-way investments, especially Malaysian investments in the UK, citing successful ventures such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, YTL's Brabazon project in Bristol, and contributions in sectors ranging from water utilities like Wessex Water to power generation. At the same time, he aims to raise awareness among UK companies about business opportunities in Malaysia. 'Companies in the UK do not know much about the opportunities here in Malaysia, and we need to raise the profile to generate business interest. 'So, that is a key area that I would like to fix under my leadership,' said Sharma, who stressed this is even more important with Malaysia being a key market for economic growth in the Asean region. With UK-Malaysia trade worth £6 billion (RM34.8 billion), the potential for increased trade is huge. 'We should be doing much more in many areas, such as tech development, which affects everything from healthcare to life sciences to defence manufacturing. We need to work on these and not be limited to areas we have focused on in the past,' said Sharma. He said the UK expects vast new opportunities following its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Dec 15 last year, becoming the first European nation to join the pact. The CPTPP now includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. With a combined population of 580 million and accounting for 15.6% of global gross domestic product, the CPTPP is the world's fourth-largest free trade bloc. Sharma noted that the global trading system is under considerable strain, with questions raised about the World Trade Organisation's ability to manage challenges, even before the protectionist measures introduced by the United States. 'We really need to find ways to ensure cooperation between our countries to support free trade flows and growth, which is the main reason we were keen to join the CPTPP. 'We must ensure the trade administration process is as simple as possible. I wouldn't want people to miss out on a great trade arrangement simply because the process for applying for exemptions, etc, is too complicated or too onerous,' he said. The UK government, he added, is working closely with businesses to help them take full advantage of the CPTPP, including through cost savings and improved market access. 'As a government, we are working with businesses to make sure they take advantage of these (CPTPP) opportunities,' he said. – Bernama


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
GCC free trade talks signal strategic economic realignment
MALAYSIA'S move to sign the Free Trade Agreement (MGFTA) negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) marks a pivotal step in expanding its economic reach beyond traditional partners. With GCC members – including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and others representing a collective GDP of over US$2 trillion (RM8.5 trillion), this agreement lays the groundwork for deeper trade and investment linkages with one of the world's most capital-rich regions. At its core, the MGFTA aims to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, boosting trade in high-impact sectors like palm oil, electrical and electronics, petrochemicals, halal products, and even digital services. It follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Malaysia and the UAE signed earlier this year, indicating a broader policy shift to strengthen ties with the Middle East. This agreement comes at a time when global trade is increasingly fragmented by geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies. For Malaysia, forging new trade corridors is more than just an economic opportunity – it is a hedge against over-reliance on major power blocs and a chance to position itself as a key node in South-South economic cooperation. In addition to trade flows, the MGFTA is expected to encourage greater foreign direct investment from GCC members into Malaysia. Sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia's PIF and the UAE's Mubadala are actively seeking investment diversification, and Malaysia's robust manufacturing base, green energy ambitions, and Islamic finance expertise make it a compelling destination. This is especially promising for sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, and renewable energy – all areas that align with both GCC diversification strategies and Malaysia's own Madani economic agenda. The formal launch of FTA negotiations between Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signals deeper structural shifts that Malaysian investors should take seriously – not just as a policy headline, but as a potential reorientation of capital, demand, and strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. Malaysia's stronghold in halal certification and production could see renewed momentum. As trade barriers fall, local companies in halal food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and logistics may benefit from easier access to GCC markets where demand is both high and culturally aligned. Public-listed firms involved in food processing, logistics, or halal certification services stand to gain from both volume expansion and brand credibility in a growing export market. Increased interest from GCC sovereign wealth funds in Southeast Asia could drive participation in Malaysian infrastructure, property, and industrial projects. Investors should pay attention to companies involved in industrial park development, ports, and integrated logistics – particularly those already involved in government-linked or cross-border projects. Construction-related counters, especially those tied to public-private partnerships or industrial infrastructure, may also receive a boost in sentiment. As both Malaysia and the Gulf pursue energy transition agendas, the MGFTA may pave the way for bilateral collaboration in clean tech, solar, hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. This aligns with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Investors should look at firms engaged in solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction), grid technologies and project financing for renewable energy assets. In parallel, energy service providers operating in oilfield maintenance and engineering – especially those with GCC exposure – may also benefit if demand for technical partnerships grows. Malaysia's global leadership in Islamic finance could translate into new co-developed Shariah-compliant instruments, investment funds, and green sukuk frameworks. This opens opportunities for growth in both the finance sector and capital markets more broadly. Malaysian financial institutions that operate Islamic banking or takaful arms may find more collaborative opportunities with GCC counterparts, and investors should monitor any regulatory developments or joint announcements in this space. In short, the MGFTA has the potential to do more than lower trade barriers – it could reshape the flow of capital, the structure of incentives, and the future growth story for key Malaysian industries. For long-term investors, tracking these sectoral shifts early may offer a strategic edge as Malaysia deepens economic ties with one of the most liquid and investment-ready regions in the world. This article is contributed by Moomoo Malaysia dealing head Ken Low (pic). This commentary has not been reviewed by the SC.