As the trading day closed on September 29, 2025, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) held its ground, closing marginally higher despite mixed regional sentiment. The benchmark index added 1.90 points to end at 1,610.95, building on the cautious momentum of the previous week. This resilience is underpinned by pre-Budget 2026 optimism, with investors anticipating a “rakyat-friendly yet fiscally responsible” blueprint set to be tabled on October 10, 2025.
However, the broader market painted a mixed picture. While the FBM KLCI ended higher, overall market breadth was negative, with 645 decliners outpacing 459 gainers, reflecting caution driven by external factors like the looming U.S. government shutdown deadline. Turnover narrowed to 3.77 billion units worth RM2.47 billion.
The Ringgit also showed slight strength, rising 0.2% against the US Dollar to 4.2140 but easing slightly against the Singapore Dollar.
Bursa Malaysia Key Metrics (Close of September 29, 2025)
| Index | Close (Points/RM) | One-day Change (%) | YTD Change (%) |
| FBM KLCI | 1,610.95 | 0.12 | -3.91 |
| FBM 70 | 16,783.85 | -0.39 | -0.58 |
| FBM Emas Shariah | 12,009.64 | -0.32 | -1.91 |
| FBM ACE | 5,189.86 | -0.20 | -3.54 |
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| Trading Volume & Value | Latest Trading Day | Previous Trading Day |
| Total volume (units bil) | 3.77 | 4.16 |
| Total value (RM bil) | 2.47 | 3.17 |
| Total gainers | 459 | 471 |
| Total losers | 645 | 638 |
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Movers and Shakers: The Top Performers
Selective buying in blue-chip counters was key to the KLCI’s small gain. The Financial Services Index was a standout, leaping over 107 points, and the Plantation Index also grew, offsetting mild dips in Industrial Products and Energy.
The day’s top gainers by value (RM) were dominated by heavyweights, a clear sign of portfolio rebalancing ahead of the Budget:
| Stock | Close (RM) | One-day Change (RM) | YTD Change (%) |
| Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd | 97.100 | +1.060 | 17.10 |
| Plenitude Bhd | 2.220 | +0.360 | 54.17 |
| Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd | 5.850 | +0.350 | 2.50 |
| Country View Bhd | 3.000 | +0.220 | 88.60 |
| Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd | 17.100 | +0.180 | 7.57 |
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Other key movers, providing sector support:
- IHH Healthcare Bhd: Added RM0.10 to close at RM7.55.
- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd: Bounced RM0.12 to close at RM7.37, reflecting strength in financials.
- MR DIY Group (M) Bhd: Rose RM0.05 to close at RM1.67, showing retail resilience.
Top Losers (By Value)
Profit-taking hit several counters, especially those in the commodity and industrial sectors:
| Stock | Close (RM) | One-day Change (RM) | YTD Change (%) |
| Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd | 16.460 | -0.300 | -11.33 |
| Heineken Malaysia Bhd | 21.000 | -0.280 | -11.69 |
| Batu Kawan Bhd | 18.800 | -0.240 | 3.86 |
| Malayan Cement Bhd | 6.950 | -0.200 | 41.84 |
| Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd (MPI) | 29.100 | -0.200 | -13.33 |
| Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd | 4.350 | -0.200 | 15.86 |
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Policy Shifts: Local Boosts vs. Global Headaches
Malaysia-Side Tailwinds: The countdown to Budget 2026 on October 10 remains the dominant local theme. Expectations are high for targeted stimulus for SMEs, green initiatives, and household relief measures that could energize the KLCI’s construction and technology sectors. In a nod to sustainable investing, Bursa Malaysia confirmed the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI ETF will be renamed to the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia ETF effective October 1, aligning the fund’s benchmark to an ESG index and potentially attracting more ethical capital.
Global Crosswinds: U.S. policy drama continues to inject volatility. The federal government is on the brink of a shutdown from October 1, as Congress struggles to pass a spending bill. This prolonged uncertainty, including threats of permanent layoffs in non-essential U.S. programs, adds a significant layer of global caution. Economists warn that any shutdown could shave growth and impact export-reliant economies like Malaysia. The continued debate over U.S. interest rate paths—following the latest mild inflation data—also keeps investors on edge.
Looking ahead, the FBM KLCI is expected to continue its consolidation, trading within the 1,590-1,620 range this week. The blend of local fiscal optimism and global policy vigilance suggests a market building strength, but one that remains cautious until the Budget clarifies the domestic economic path.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence.