KUALA LUMPUR, FEBRUARY 21, 2025:
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed at its intraday high of 1,591.03 points, gaining 13.86 points (0.86%) on Friday. The recovery was fueled by bargain hunting, as investors took advantage of recent declines.
Despite the strong close, the benchmark index ended the week slightly lower by 0.03%. The market recorded a total trading volume of 3.037 billion shares, with a total transaction value of RM2.638 billion.
Market Performance and Sentiment
- Total gainers: 573
- Total losers: 451
- Unchanged counters: 507
Foreign investors remained net sellers, offloading RM37 million worth of equities, while local institutions and retailers took a net buying position of RM15 million and RM22 million, respectively.
Top Gainers on Bursa Malaysia
Several blue-chip stocks helped drive the FBM KLCI higher:
- Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PETDAG) – Up RM1.24 to RM20.50
- Nestlé Malaysia Bhd – Up RM0.76 to RM90.50
- United Plantations Bhd – Up RM0.60 to RM31.84
- Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) – Up RM0.46 to RM26.46
- Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PCHEM) – Up RM11.89% to RM4.14
Top Losers on Bursa Malaysia
Meanwhile, some heavyweight stocks declined:
- Malaysian Pacific Industries (MPI) – Down RM1.00 to RM20.40
- Inari Amertron Bhd – Down RM0.30 to RM2.35
- MISC Bhd – Down RM0.17 to RM7.15
- Manulife Holdings Bhd – Down RM0.14 to RM2.38
- Unisem Bhd – Down RM0.13 to RM2.40
Most Active Stocks
The top-traded stocks by volume on Bursa Malaysia included:
- Ingenieur Gudang Bhd (118.7 million shares)
- My EG Services Bhd (51.9 million shares)
- TWL Holdings Bhd (50.9 million shares)
- Inari Amertron Bhd (39.1 million shares)
- Velesto Energy Bhd (33.5 million shares)
Sectoral Highlights & Market Outlook
Construction and Plantation stocks showed strength, with Gamuda Bhd and SD Guthrie continuing to attract interest. The telecommunications sector, however, remained mixed, with Axiata Bhd struggling.
Analysts note that the KLCI’s trading range has been between 1,560 and 1,600 this week. Despite selling pressure from foreign investors, buying support from local institutions and retailers helped stabilize the market.
Regional markets also ended the day higher, supporting sentiment:
- Nikkei 225: +0.261%
- Hang Seng Index: +3.99%
- Shanghai Composite: +0.85%
- Straits Times Index: +0.08%
Investors will be watching global economic indicators and corporate earnings next week for further direction.
Final Thoughts
The FBM KLCI’s rebound on February 21, 2025, signals renewed confidence in Malaysia’s stock market. Investors should remain cautious yet optimistic, with opportunities emerging in key sectors like energy, plantations, and consumer goods.
Stay tuned to KLCI.net for more Malaysia stock market updates, Bursa Malaysia stock news, and KLSE analysis.