On April 23, 2025, the KLCI closed at 1,501.19. It gained 14.94 points, up 1.01% from the prior day. Meanwhile, the FBM Mid 70 rose 1.27% to 15,550.38. The FBM Small Cap also climbed 1.54% to 14,964.57. However, the KLCI is still down 8.59% for the year. This shows the impact of global trade issues.
Top Movers and Laggards on the KLCI
Here’s a look at the key performers and underperformers on Bursa Malaysia for April 23, 2025:
Top Gainers (By Value)
- Sime Darby Plantation Bhd rose RM0.080 to RM5.640. It had a trading volume of 2,594.1k shares. Its year-to-date change is -3.06%. This reflects strength in the plantation sector.
- PETRONAS Chemicals Group Bhd gained RM0.320, closing at RM3.900. The volume was 2,781.3k shares. Yet, it’s down 30.61% for the year due to global chemical price pressures.
- Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd added RM0.200 to reach RM26.100. It’s down 7.38% year-to-date. Investors are buying consumer goods for safety.
- Petronas Dagangan Bhd increased RM0.180 to RM19.300. It’s down 11.73% for the year. Energy stocks face ongoing challenges.
Top Losers (By Value)
- Ideal Capital Bhd dropped RM0.200 to RM36.220. It’s down 5.00% year-to-date. Investors took profits after a recent rally.
- United Plantations Bhd fell RM0.140 to RM26.220. It’s down 10.23% for the year. Plantation stocks are seeing mixed sentiment.
- Oriental Holdings Bhd lost RM0.130. European Holdings Bhd also fell RM0.110. These declines show corrections in industrial and consumer sectors.
Top Active Stocks
- MYEG Services Bhd led with 75,452.1k shares traded. It closed unchanged at RM0.890. Still, it’s down 7.29% for the year.
- RichTech Digital Bhd traded 45,191.6k shares. Pertama Digital Bhd saw 38,486.1k shares. Both had small price changes. Tech stocks remain active.
Key Movers in the KLCI Index
- Axiata Group Bhd rose 3.57% to RM2.030. CelcomDigi Bhd gained 2.45% to RM3.760. Telecom stocks are doing well.
- Tenaga Nasional Bhd added 0.75% to RM13.500. Utilities are showing stability.
- However, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd fell 0.48%. Hong Leong Bank Bhd also dropped 0.61%. Banking stocks face pressure.
Policy Impacts and Market Sentiment
Global Trade Updates
The KLCI’s gains tie to hope in US-China trade talks. For instance, the US paused tariffs on April 10, 2025. This boosted export sectors. Additionally, the electronics tariff exemption on April 14 helped tech stocks. Inari Amertron rose 0.40% to RM1.000. MYEG also benefited. But Trump’s earlier tariff threats in April caused a drop. If talks fail, the KLCI could fall back to 1,400.
Malaysia’s Economic Factors
- Ringgit Value: The ringgit weakened to 4.3953 against the USD. It’s down 0.23% for the year. This raises import costs and hurts consumer stocks.
- GDP Concerns: Malaysia may lower its 2025 GDP growth forecast from 4.5%–5.5%. Global issues are the cause. This could impact banking and construction stocks.
- Tech and Infrastructure: Malaysia’s focus on data centers and 5G draws investment. As a result, tech stocks are supported despite global challenges.
Market Outlook
The KLCI has support at 1,495–1,500. Resistance is at 1,510–1,515. Kenanga Research sees good value after the year’s losses. However, UOB Kay Hian warns of risks if US-China talks fail. Investors prefer safe sectors like plantations and consumer goods. Meanwhile, tech and telecoms offer growth. Follow klci.net for the latest Bursa Malaysia updates.