On January 6, 2025, Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index, FBM KLCI, mirrored global market weakness, closing 0.24% lower at 1,625.47. This marks a -1.03% year-to-date (YTD) performance for the index. Throughout the trading day, FBM KLCI ranged between 1,623.64 and 1,631.71 after opening slightly higher at 1,629.74.
The market recorded a turnover of 3.47 billion units valued at RM2.66 billion, slightly lower than Friday’s figures of 3.70 billion units and RM2.87 billion, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with 577 losers outweighing 503 gainers.
Market Sentiment
Analysts highlighted several factors weighing on sentiment, including concerns about China’s slowing economy, expectations of higher US interest rates, and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East. Regional markets also faced mixed performances, dampening local market optimism.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd’s Thong Pak Leng noted that the benchmark index must break the key resistance level of 1,615 to regain bullish momentum. For the week, FBM KLCI is anticipated to trend within the 1,620-1,640 range.
Sector and Stock Performance
- Heavyweights:
- Declines were observed in Maybank (-4 sen, RM10.10), CIMB (-3 sen, RM8.08), and Tenaga Nasional (-2 sen, RM14.58).
- Public Bank bucked the trend, gaining 1 sen to RM4.51.
- Sectors:
- The Energy Index climbed 3.97 points, while the Financial Services Index dropped 48.72 points.
- The Plantation Index slipped 35.29 points to 7,563.22.
Top Movers and Losers
- Top Gainers (FBM KLCI):
- Telekom Malaysia Bhd (+1.49%, RM6.59) and Genting Malaysia Bhd (+1.33%, RM2.28).
- Top Losers (FBM KLCI):
- Petronas Dagangan Bhd (-3.13%, RM19.82) and Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd (-1.77%, RM96.48).
Trading Highlights
The most active stocks included:
- Velocity Capital Partner Bhd: 150.21 million shares traded, closed at RM0.080.
- Top Glove Corp Bhd: 70.25 million shares traded, closed at RM1.360 (+1.49%).
Key Indices Snapshot
- FBM KLCI: Closed at 1,625.47, down -0.24% (-1.03% YTD).
- FBM Mid 70: Gained 0.19% to close at 18,903.62 (+0.33% YTD).
- FBM Small Cap: Closed higher by 0.06% at 18,080.31 (+0.65% YTD).
- FBM ACE: Gained 0.41% to close at 5,495.14 (+2.13% YTD).
Currency Performance
- USD/MYR: 4.5130, YTD change: -0.9129%.
- SGD/MYR: 3.3030, YTD change: -0.5268%.
Conclusion
The Malaysian stock market continues to face challenges due to global economic uncertainty and regional underperformance. Despite a bearish overall sentiment, selective sectors like energy showed resilience. For investors, closely monitoring key resistance levels and sectoral movements remains critical in the coming weeks.