KLCI Performance Snapshot
On April 24, 2025, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed at 1,506.52, up 5.33 points or 0.36% from the previous day’s close of 1,501.19. The index recorded a market capitalization of RM 14,983.14 billion, though it remains down 8.37% year-to-date (YTD). Trading activity showed 3.065 billion units exchanged, valued at RM 2.144 billion, with 463 stocks gaining and 426 declining. The ringgit strengthened to 4.3715 against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a YTD change of -2.944%.
The KLCI has faced a turbulent April, with earlier volatility driven by U.S. tariff policies under President Trump. A steep 5% drop on April 5 and a 21-month low of 1,400.59 on April 9 were followed by a relief rally on April 10, where the index surged 4.55% to 1,464.30 after a 90-day tariff pause. On April 14, electronics tariff exemptions further lifted the KLCI by 1.4% to 1,475.44.
Top Movers and Laggards in the KLCI
Gainers in FBM KLCI
- Axiata Group Bhd: Up 1.97%, closing at RM 2.070 with a market cap of RM 19,013.9 million.
- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd: Gained 1.89%, closing at RM 6.985 with a market cap of RM 75,002.0 million.
- Telekom Malaysia Bhd: Rose 1.79%, closing at RM 6.830 with a market cap of RM 26,211.8 million.
Laggards in FBM KLCI
- MR DIY Group Bhd: Fell 1.76%, closing at RM 1.670.
- Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd: Dropped 1.71%, closing at RM 19.590.
- MISC Bhd: Declined 1.46%, closing at RM 7.170.
Most Active Stocks (Bursa Malaysia)
- Bina Puri Holdings Bhd: Traded 102.68 million shares, closing at RM 0.375.
- SFP Tech Holdings Bhd: Saw 50.41 million shares traded, closing at RM 0.290.
- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd: Moved 32.21 million shares, closing at RM 6.985.
Top Gainers by Value (Bursa Malaysia)
- Jentayu Sustainables Bhd: Soared RM 1.00 to RM 27.200, with a market cap of RM 9.974 billion.
- Hong Leong Industries Bhd: Up RM 0.520 to RM 16.160, market cap at RM 3.223 billion.
- Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd: Gained RM 0.340 to RM 7.900, market cap at RM 9.513 billion.
Top Losers by Value (Bursa Malaysia)
- Nestlé Malaysia Bhd: Dropped RM 0.800 to RM 90.200, market cap at RM 18.786 billion.
- Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd: Fell RM 0.340 to RM 19.590, market cap at RM 21.738 billion.
- FACB Industries Inc Bhd: Declined RM 0.220 to RM 1.050, market cap at RM 88 million.
Policy Impacts Affecting the KLCI
Global Trade Dynamics
Global trade policies, particularly U.S. tariffs, have significantly influenced the KLCI:
- On April 5, a 10% U.S. tariff on imports triggered a 5% plunge in the KLCI, the steepest one-day drop since March 2008.
- The U.S.-China tariff escalation on April 9 pushed the index to a 21-month low of 1,400.59.
- A temporary tariff pause on April 10 and electronics exemptions on April 14 provided relief, boosting the KLCI by 4.55% and 1.4%, respectively.
Malaysia’s export-driven economy remains exposed to these external pressures, with potential downward revisions to the 2025 GDP growth forecast of 4.5%–5.5%.
Domestic Factors
- Ringgit Appreciation: The ringgit’s rise to 4.3715 against the USD has bolstered investor confidence.
- Valuations and Bargain Hunting: Attractive valuations post-sell-off have encouraged bargain hunting, particularly in blue-chip stocks like CIMB and Telekom Malaysia.
Market Outlook
The KLCI’s recent uptick signals cautious optimism, but global trade uncertainties persist. Analysts identify support levels at 1,510, with resistance at 1,526–1,531. For long-term investors, fundamentally strong stocks present opportunities during market dips, given the KLCI’s compelling valuations.