KUALA LUMPUR – Bursa Malaysia extended its losing streak on February 25, 2025, tracking weakness in regional markets as global economic concerns weighed on investor sentiment. The FBM KLCI dropped 16.22 points, or 1.02%, to 1,568.03, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across key sectors.
Market Performance Summary
- FBM Mid 70 declined 2.10% to 16,871.62.
- FBM Small Cap dropped 1.68% to 16,118.00.
- FBM ACE fell 1.98% to 4,808.60.
Market breadth remained negative, with 905 losers, 217 gainers, and 390 unchanged counters. Total trading volume stood at 3.14 billion shares, with a value of RM2.649 billion, an increase from the previous session’s RM2.32 billion.
Key Market Movers
Top Gainers (FBM KLCI)
- IHH Healthcare Bhd: +0.83% (RM7.31)
- MISC Bhd: +0.82% (RM7.37)
- Petronas Dagangan Bhd: +0.38% (RM20.98)
- Petronas Gas Bhd: +0.34% (RM17.50)
- QL Resources Bhd: +0.21% (RM4.71)
Top Losers (FBM KLCI)
- YTL Power International Bhd: -2.21% (RM3.10)
- YTL Corp Bhd: -1.82% (RM1.88)
- Axiata Group Bhd: -2.84% (RM2.05)
- Telekom Malaysia Bhd: -2.90% (RM6.70)
- SD Guthrie Bhd: -3.40% (RM4.83)
Sectoral Performance
- Financial Services Index: -160.97 points (19,145.61)
- Industrial Products & Services Index: -2.65 points (158.70)
- Energy Index: -14.47 points (754.40)
- Plantation Index: -87.70 points (7,482.60)
Ringgit Performance
The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) traded at:
- USD/MYR: 4.4220 (-1.1262% YTD change)
- SGD/MYR: 3.3022 (+0.5087% YTD change)
Market Sentiment & Outlook
According to Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, the market decline was driven by weak chip and technology stocks ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report, coupled with uncertainty over potential US trade restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry.
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors noted that heightened trade policy uncertainty and macroeconomic risks led to the largest single-day drop of the month for the FBM KLCI. The index remains vulnerable, with support at 1,555, while major inflection points lie at 1,529 and 1,500.
Technical analysis suggests:
- Resistance levels: 1,590 – 1,600
- Support levels: 1,555 – 1,560
Investment Strategy
Experts advise investors to focus on defensive sectors, particularly banking, plantations, and REITs, which offer strong dividend yields. Investors should also monitor foreign fund flows, as outflows may accelerate if macroeconomic uncertainty persists.
Conclusion
The Bursa Malaysia market downturn on February 25, 2025, mirrors regional market weakness amid global economic headwinds. While the market remains under pressure, investors may find buying opportunities in resilient large-cap stocks with attractive valuations and strong fundamentals.