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FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
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322 stories mentioning FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIUpdated 2d ago

Extended gains, mirroring regional markets, after the US and Iran signed a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Proceed with Fuel Subsidy Reform Despite Election Possibility

Malaysia will continue with its fuel subsidy restructuring, prompted by a surge in spending, even with the possibility of a general election this year, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday, citing a key finance ministry official.The government is considering a further cut to subsidized fuel and a shift to a similar diesel subsidy system for the Sabah and Sarawak states to improve allocation efficiency, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong reportedly said at an event.The review came as global oil prices remain elevated following the Iran conflict, which has driven up Malaysia's fuel subsidy burden, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Seeks Listing of AI, Chip Firms

Malaysia is looking to strengthen its role in the global AI and semiconductor industry by encouraging more chip-related companies to list on Bursa Malaysia, The Star reported Tuesday, citing Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong.He said the Ministry of Finance is exploring ways for both foreign-linked and local semiconductor firms to go public, noting that the stock market still does not fully reflect the country's industrial strength, which is largely driven by foreign investment. More listings, he added, would help keep more capital within the local economy, according to the report.Liew said Malaysia already has strong capabilities in parts of the chip supply chain, especially in equipment and automation, and could benefit from the global AI boom. He also said shifting supply chains away from China could create opportunities for Malaysia, alongside countries like Singapore and Vietnam, the news outlet reported.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Malaysia's Jobless Rate Remains Steady at 2.9% in March

Malaysia's unemployment rate stood at 2.9% in March, unchanged from the previous month, according to data released by the country's Department of Statistics on Tuesday.The number of unemployed persons in Malaysia rose 0.4% to 509,000 in March from 506,800 in February.The number of employed persons also edged up 0.1% to 16.80 million, while the employment-to-population ratio remained steady at 68.8%.The Southeast Asian country's labor force expanded 0.1% month over month to 17.31 million, with the labor force participation rate unchanged at 70.9%, the data showed.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia Markets

Malaysian Shares End in Red Amid Mixed Regional Performance; Bintai Kinden's Shares Drop 6%

Malaysian shares closed lower on Monday, extending Friday's losses amid a mixed regional performance.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI shed 2.75 points to end 0.2% lower at 1,745.31. The day range was between 1,744.99 and 1,754.00.In economic news, Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade recorded a robust 9.8% year-on-year increase in sales value for March, reaching 169 billion ringgit, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. The growth was driven by a 15.7% increase in wholesale trade and a 7.5% rise in retail trade.Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir will soon roll out a strategy to safeguard domestic oil supplies as uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict continues to weigh on global energy markets, Bloomberg News reported Sunday, citing state media Bernama. This "Oil Supply Continuity Plan" will be formally announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.In corporate news, shares of Bintai Kinden (KLSE:BINTAI) dropped over 6% on close after it fixed the issue price for 36 million placement shares under the first tranche at 0.0719 ringgit per share. The mechanical and electrical engineering services proposed to issue up to 150 million new shares, or 10% of the existing number of shares, to private investors.Meanwhile, Skyechip (KLSE:SKYECHIP) drew overwhelming investor interest in its initial public offering on Bursa Malaysia, with the retail tranche oversubscribed by 95.03 times. The integrated circuit (IC) design company's IPO comprises 400 million shares, including 135.3 million retail shares and 264.7 million institutional shares, priced at 0.88 ringgit each.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:BINTAIKLSE:SKYECHIP
Asia

Malaysian Shares Snap Five-Day Winning Streak, Mirroring Regional Losses

Malaysian shares closed lower on Friday, halting a five-day winning streak, mirroring a weak regional trend as investors locked in profits.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI shed 10.79 points to end 0.6% lower at 1,748.06. The day range was between 1,748.06 and 1,760.19.In economic news, Malaysia's Industrial Production Index rose 3.1% year on year in March, maintaining the same growth in the month prior, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The increase was supported by stronger manufacturing activity, which expanded 5.5% compared with 4.2% in the previous month, alongside a 4.9% increase in electricity output.Meanwhile, Malaysia's Services Producer Price Index rose 2.1% year on year in the first quarter, accelerating from a 1% rise in the previous quarter, according to data released by the DoSM.In corporate news, shares of AirAsia X (KLSE:AAX) slid over 2% at close, as its unit Asia Aviation Capital agreed to buy 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft from Airbus in a deal valued at about $19 billion.Lotte Chemical Titan (KLSE:LCTITAN) posted a wider first-quarter loss despite a 70% jump in revenue. The loss widened as higher depreciation and financing costs from its Indonesia ethylene project weighed on earnings. Shares ended flat.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:AAXKLSE:LCTITAN
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Says No Oil Exports to ASEAN as Imports Remain High

Malaysia will not export crude oil to ASEAN countries as it continues to import about 400,000 barrels per day, The Star reported Thursday, citing Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.He said the country is still a net oil importer despite being an oil producer. However, Malaysia remains a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which helps balance the overall energy situation. He added that LNG surpluses are partly offsetting the crude oil deficit.Johari also said the government is keeping RON95 petrol price unchanged at 1.99 ringgit per liter. He noted that while global tensions in the Middle East have some impact, the situation remains under control, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Malaysia's Services Producer Price Index Rises 2.1% in Q1

Malaysia's Services Producer Price Index rose 2.1% year on year in the first quarter, accelerating from a 1% rise in the previous quarter, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Friday.The increase was driven mainly by accommodation and food & beverage services, which climbed 5.7%, and transportation, which rose 3.8% on stronger passenger air transport demand. Education prices also increased 1.9%, supported by gains in secondary and higher education services.Other sectors recording increases included arts, entertainment and recreation, health services, professional services and real estate activities.Quarterly, the SPPI rose 1.4%, up from 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025, led by arts, entertainment and recreation as well as accommodation and food & beverage services, the DoSM said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Malaysia's Industrial Production Grows at Steady Rate of 3.1% in March

Malaysia's Industrial Production Index rose 3.1% year on year in March, maintaining the same growth in the month prior, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Friday.The increase was supported by stronger manufacturing activity, which expanded 5.5% compared with 4.2% in the previous month, alongside a 4.9% increase in electricity output.The mining sector, meanwhile, contracted 6.5% during the month, faster than the 2% decline in February, according to the data.Monthly, the IPI rebounded 9.3% after a 9.2% contraction in February, reflecting a recovery across major sectors, DoSM said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Gains After Bank Negara Keeps Interest Rate Unchanged

Malaysian shares ended in green on Thursday, extending gains of the last four sessions, as the central bank kept interest rates unchanged.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added 1.98 points to end 0.1% higher at 1,758.85. The day range was between 1,758.42 and 1,768.46.In economic news, Malaysia's central bank kept the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%, in line with market expectations. Bank Negara Malaysia said global growth stayed resilient in early 2026, supported by strong domestic demand and continued expansion in the technology sector. However, higher energy and commodity prices, along with supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, are starting to weigh on momentum.Meanwhile, Malaysia's trade agency MATRADE has generated about 126.4 million ringgit in potential export deals through its International Sourcing Program (INSP), MATRADE announced in a Facebook post. Under the program, held in conjunction with SEMICON Southeast Asia, 49 Malaysian companies linked up with 14 international buyers from 12 different countries, including the US, Taiwan, and Switzerland.In corporate news, Pansar (KLSE:PANSAR) unit Perbena Emas secured a contract worth 234.9 million ringgit from Sarawak's Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to upgrade the Kaki Wong Water Treatment Plant. Shares ended flat on Thursday.Clean energy company Sunview (KLSE:SUNVIEW) completed the second tranche of the private placement after listing and quoting 9.1 million placement shares on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:PANSARKLSE:SUNVIEW
International

Bank Negara Malaysia Keeps Interest Rate Unchanged at 2.75%

Malaysia's central bank kept the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%, in line with market expectations, according to a Thursday news release.The central bank said global growth stayed resilient in early 2026, supported by strong domestic demand and continued expansion in the technology sector. However, higher energy and commodity prices, along with supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, are starting to weigh on momentum.For Malaysia, growth indicators point to steady expansion in the first quarter, driven by domestic demand and strong exports.Headline and core inflation averaged 1.6% and 2.1% in the first quarter, respectively. While cost pressures from higher global commodities may push prices slightly higher, inflation is expected to remain contained in 2026, supported by policy measures and stable demand conditions, the central bank said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

MATRADE Bags Over MYR126 Million in Potential Export Deals

Malaysia's trade agency MATRADE has generated about 126.4 million ringgit in potential export deals through its International Sourcing Program (INSP), MATRADE announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday.Under the program, held in conjunction with SEMICON Southeast Asia, 49 Malaysian companies linked up with 14 international buyers from 12 different countries, including the US, Taiwan, and Switzerland.A total of 105 business meetings took place during the event, focusing on the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain.MATRADE CEO Abu Bakar Yusof said this initiative has generated roughly 961 million ringgit in recorded sales for 327 Small and Medium Enterprises.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Winning Streak Ahead of Interest Rate Decision

Malaysian shares ended in green on Wednesday, extending gains in the last three sessions, ahead of the interest rate decision later this week.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added 9.44 points to end 0.5% higher at 1,756.87. The day range was between 1,746.80 and 1,760.30.In local news, New Zealand is considering storing its fuel in Malaysia amid the impact of the Iran war, Bloomberg News reported.In corporate news, Bus Cap (KLSE:BUSCAP) is seeking to raise 24.7 million ringgit via an initial public offering on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. The bus manufacturer's IPO entails a public issue of 107.3 million new shares at 0.23 ringgit each, and an offer for sale of 19.2 million shares.Magni-Tech Industries (KLSE:MAGNI) unit Magni Land signed an agreement to acquire a freehold land parcel in Penang, Malaysia. Shares ended 1% higher on Wednesday.Inspace Creation (KLSE:INSPACE) is slated to debut on the ACE Market on Friday, May 8.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:BUSCAPKLSE:INSPACE
Asia

Market Chatter: New Zealand Considering Singapore, Malaysia as Fuel Storage Options Amid Middle East Conflict

New Zealand is considering storing its fuel in Singapore and Malaysia amid the impact of the Iran war, according to a report by Bloomberg on Wednesday.The country's resource minister, Shane Jones, revealed that New Zealand does not have surplus storage capacity and is currently exploring alternatives, with Malaysia and Singapore cited as two countries to cater to the country's storing needs, the report said.New Zealand's storage capacity was severely impacted following the closure of a solitary refinery in Auckland in 2022, the report noted.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^NZ50^STI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Gains Ahead of Interest Rate Decision; Feytech's Shares Rise 6%

Malaysian shares ended in green on Tuesday, ahead of the interest rate decision later this week. The investor sentiment remained upbeat following the release of positive manufacturing data.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders, according to data released by S&P Global.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 7.66 points to end 0.4% higher at 1,747.43. The day range was between 1,732.64 and 1,747.82.In local news, Malaysia's Health Ministry has formed a Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Safety to act as a central command unit to reinforce the country's supply resilience amid intensifying global supply disruptions, The Star reported. Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the system includes real-time monitoring and broader diversification of pharmaceutical procurement sources.In corporate news, Manforce Group (KLSE:MFGROUP) is scheduled to make its debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on Wednesday. The workforce solutions provider's enlarged issued share capital stands at 399.98 million units, with a total capital base of 51.7 million ringgit.Shares of Feytech (KLSE:FEYTECH) jumped over 6% on Tuesday's close after its unit Gosford Leather Industries bagged a deal to supply seat covers for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (Proton) for an upcoming modelMeanwhile, shares of Exsim Hospitality (KLSE:EXSIMHB) gained 3% on close after its subsidiary EXSIM Concepto accepted a letter of award from Epic Team Construction worth 2.08 million ringgit.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:EXSIMHBKLSE:FEYTECHKLSE:MFGROUP
US Markets

Indonesia Economy Expands By 5.61% on Year in First Quarter

Boosted in part by government outlays, Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.61% on year in the first quarter, reported the Central Statistics Agency on Tuesday.Southeast Asia's largest economy logged the biggest annual expansion since 2022, but some experts warned the growth could lag in coming seasons as the national government tempers outlays, and as higher energy bills sap businesses and consumers.Government outlays rose 21.8% on year in the first quarter as Jakarta ramped up flagship social-welfare programs, including a free-meal scheme and village cooperative funding, to spur household consumption.The national government also spent briskly during the first quarter to support outlays during the fasting month of Ramadan, and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, when many businesses are closed.Despite challenges, the Indonesian economy may still grow by a relatively robust 5% for the full 2026 year, said economists with Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad), which is Malaysia's largest bank.Headwinds to Indonesian economic growth are likely to intensify in the second quarter, with exports hampered by cost pressures on international trade, said Brian Lee and Hak Bin Chua, analysts at Maybank, reported the Singapore-based The Business Times.Higher fuel prices and a weakening Indonesian currency, the rupiah, are likely to push up import bills going forward, added the analysts.There are also concerns that Indonesian national government is engaged in unsustainable spending."A team of economists from the Macroeconomic, Finance and Political Economy Research Group at University of Indonesia noted that the government is continuing to roll out fiscally costly flagship programs, including a nationwide free-meal initiative," reported The Business Times.Concerns over fiscal outlays and government borrowing have also unsettled financial markets, including negative comments from credit-rating agencies Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, noted The Business Times.In Mid-April, S&P Global assigned a "BBB/A-2" rating to Indonesian bonds, with BBB- being the lowest rating for an "investment grade" government bond.If Indonesia national debt levels continue to rise, the BBB rating could be lowered, said S&P Global.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Boost Palm Biodiesel Blend to B15 to Ease Fuel Prices

Malaysia will raise its biodiesel blend to B15 from June, lifting palm oil content in transport diesel to 15% as part of efforts to ease persistently high fuel costs, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.The move follows earlier steps from B10 to B12 and is expected to gradually progress to B20 within a few years, with longer-term targets possibly reaching B50 as the country expands renewable fuel use, according to the report.The policy shift comes amid volatile global oil prices linked to Middle East tensions, which have pushed local diesel costs sharply higher, though subsidies remain in place in parts of the country. Officials said the expansion will use existing refinery infrastructure and form part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the palm oil sector, the Nikkei said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Sets Up Health Task Force to Secure Drug, Medical Supply Chains

The Health Ministry has formed a Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Safety to act as a central command unit to reinforce the country's supply resilience amid intensifying global supply disruptions, The Star reported Monday.Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the system includes real-time monitoring and broader diversification of pharmaceutical procurement sources. An early warning mechanism has also been activated, requiring suppliers to flag possible disruptions at least six months in advance by July 2026, reportedly.Meanwhile, to further safeguard domestic production, the Medical Devices Authority has secured cooperation with China, while a fast-track channel has also been initiated for urgent medical equipment imports, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

ASEAN Manufacturing Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low in April, S&P Global Says

ASEAN's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April, with growth easing to a nine-month low as price pressures intensified, according to data released by S&P Global on Tuesday.The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 50.7 in April from 51.8 in March, marking the weakest reading since July but extending the current expansion streak to nine months.New order growth slowed to an eight-month low, while production growth eased further and moved close to stagnation. New export orders declined for a second straight month at the fastest pace since last July.Firms cut employment for the first time in eight months, while purchasing activity increased.On the price front, input cost inflation surged to its highest level since March 2022, while output prices rose at the fastest pace in 49 months, reflecting stronger cost pass-through by firms.Despite challenges and weak historical levels, business confidence stayed positive in April, with manufacturers expecting production to grow over the next year, the report said.

^HNX^HOSE^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^PSEI^SET^STI^YSX
Asia

Malaysian Shares Begin Week Higher on Upbeat Manufacturing Data

Malaysian shares ended in green on Monday on upbeat investor sentiment following the release of positive manufacturing data.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 17.8 points to end 1% higher at 1,739.77. The day range was between 1,725.01 and 1,739.77.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders, according to data released Monday by S&P Global. The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.In corporate news, T7 Global (KLSE:T7GLOBAL) slid about 2% after listing 9.2 million private placement shares.Meanwhile, Uzma (KLSE:UZMA) closed 1% lower after it signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned Majlis Amanah Rakyat to explore cooperation in renewable energy, aerospace and defense maintenance services.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:T7GLOBALKLSE:UZMA
US Markets

Malaysia's Factory Activity Hits 4-Year High in April as War Uncertainty Triggers Global Stockpiling

Malaysia's manufacturing activity in April hit a four-year high due to stockpiling efforts amid the Iranian conflict.The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI jumped to 51.6 from 50.7 in March, according to S&P Global's latest release on Monday.Panellists said clients were buying in bulk to build safety stocks as the war in Iran brought uncertainty and hiked oil prices around the globe."As firms looked to protect themselves against intensifying price pressures, purchasing activity increased as firms hoped to raise their stocks of preproduction items," S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said. "However, with supply-chain disruption widespread, firms continued to see stocks of inputs fall."While new orders grew domestically, new orders from abroad slowed down for a second straight month due to the ongoing war.Stockpiling also bolstered local production to its strongest since December 2021, boosting employment, S&P Global said.Meanwhile, the ongoing war pushed prices higher, as well as energy and material costs.Manufacturers' business confidence moderated to its weakest in eight months as the Iran war dampened outlook.Malaysia has been resilient despite external factors that shook the global economy. The country's gross domestic product in 2025 rose 5.2% even though global markets were disrupted by U.S. tariffs. However, the Asian Development Bank predicted in its Asian Development Outlook report last month that its GDP will slow down to 4.6% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027 if the war in Iran is prolonged.On the contrary, ADB's Business Tendency Survey showed the continuation of business optimism throughout this year due to government measures that can help mitigate risks."The sector's performance in the coming months will be partly shaped by how the situation in the Middle East unfolds, but the latest data already highlights steps manufacturers are taking to mitigate some of the impacts," Baluch said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI

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