Key Indices Performance
The FBM KLCI continued its steady climb on February 5, 2025, closing at 1,574.51, reflecting a 0.64% increase or a gain of 9.95 points. Other indices showed similar positive momentum:
- FBM Mid 70 rose 0.95% to 17,835.99.
- FBM Small Cap increased 0.95% to 17,198.91.
- FBM ACE advanced 1.33% to 5,287.51.
Despite year-to-date (YTD) declines for major indices (e.g., FBM KLCI down 4.13%), the day’s performance signaled growing investor optimism.
Market Breadth and Trading Volume
Bursa Malaysia recorded a positive market breadth with:
- 622 gainers, 345 losers, and 493 unchanged counters.
- The total trading volume reached 2.86 billion units, valued at RM2.33 billion.
This trading day outperformed the previous session, which saw a volume of 2.23 billion units worth RM2.05 billion.
Top Movers and Laggards
Gainers (by Value):
- Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd: Gained RM1.16 to close at RM89.38.
- LPI Capital Bhd: Increased by RM0.54 to RM13.36.
- Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd: Added RM0.38 to RM25.88.
- Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd: Rose by RM0.36 to RM20.20.
- Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd: Advanced RM0.30 to RM22.40.
Laggards (by Value):
- Heineken Malaysia Bhd: Fell RM0.34 to RM24.04.
- Kluang Rubber Co (Malaya) Bhd: Dropped RM0.14 to RM5.98.
- Silver Ridge Holdings Bhd: Declined RM0.11 to RM0.485.
Top Actives (by Volume):
- TWL Holdings Bhd: Traded 92.62 million shares, unchanged at RM0.025.
- Harvest Miracle Capital Bhd: Moved 69.63 million shares, unchanged at RM0.195.
- Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd: Traded 50.48 million shares, down RM0.005 to RM0.895.
Currency Performance
The Malaysian ringgit displayed mixed performance:
- Gained 0.46% against the US dollar, closing at 4.4245.
- Slightly weakened against the Singapore dollar (3.2790) and pound sterling (5.5421).
These trends reflect ongoing regional currency volatility as global markets adjust to varying economic conditions.
Insights on Public Bank’s Dividend Stability
Public Bank Bhd (PBB) remains a resilient player in the banking sector despite goodwill impairments at its 73.2%-owned subsidiary, Public Financial Holdings (PFH). Analysts predict that PBB’s dividend payout will remain intact, bolstered by a strong capital base and credit write-backs.
- PBB’s Q4 2024 results are due on February 26, with forecasts of a dividend per share (DPS) of 21 sen, up from 19 sen in FY2023.
- The bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, estimated at 14%, underscores its financial strength.
Conclusion
February 5, 2025, was a strong trading day for Bursa Malaysia, with notable gains in blue-chip stocks and increased trading activity. Despite ongoing YTD declines, the local market remains buoyed by positive sentiment and a stable currency outlook against the US dollar. Public Bank’s sustained dividend outlook adds to the optimism in Malaysia’s banking sector.