KLCI Performance Overview
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed at 1,596.80 on May 6, 2025, down 0.18% or 2.79 points. This reflects cautious sentiment amid global trade issues. Year-to-date, it has dropped 6.43%. The FBM Mid 70 and FBM Small Cap indices also fell, by 14.75% and 13.78%, respectively. Trading volume reached 2.79 billion units, valued at RM 1.88 billion, up from 2.34 billion units worth RM 1.93 billion yesterday. Losers outnumbered gainers, with 940 versus 367, hinting at a bearish mood.
Earlier, on April 25, the index rose 0.03% to 1,506.94, boosted by hopes of US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Yet, volatility persists due to US trade policies under President Trump. A 90-day tariff pause on April 9 lifted the index 4.55%. Still, foreign outflows of RM 10 billion in Q1 2025—the worst in seven years—continue to concern investors.
Top Movers and Shakers from Bursa Malaysia
Top Gainers
- Apex Healthcare Bhd: Up RM 0.200 to RM 2.908, with 3.7 million shares traded. Its 11.48% YTD gain shows strength in healthcare.
- Heineken Malaysia Bhd: Rose RM 0.380 to RM 26.800, with an 11.11% YTD increase. Consumer goods remain a stable choice.
- Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd: Gained RM 0.380 to RM 19.160, up 2.16% YTD, driven by steady beverage demand.
- Petronas Dagangan Bhd: Climbed RM 0.260 to RM 19.500, with a 2.09% YTD rise. It led gains on April 18 amid trade relief.
Top Losers
- Hong Leong Bank Bhd: Down RM 0.270 to RM 20.200, with a 5.72% YTD drop. AmBank may replace it in the May 26 KLCI review.
- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd: Fell RM 0.180 to RM 6.900, despite JS-SEZ potential. Its YTD decline is 15.85%.
- Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd: Dropped RM 0.150 to RM 3.300, with a 36.17% YTD loss, reflecting energy sector woes.
- PPB Group Bhd: Decreased RM 0.140 to RM 12.100, down 14.22% YTD, hit by market pressures.
Active Stocks
- Reach Energy Bhd: Traded 40.46 million shares, unchanged at RM 0.025, showing high retail interest.
- Permaju Industries Bhd: Moved 39.53 million shares, steady at RM 0.035, despite no price shift.
Broader Market and Policy Impacts
Global Influences
US trade policies heavily affect the KLCI. Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2 caused a 7.5% drop by April 9. The 90-day pause brought relief, but a Malaysian delegation’s late April Washington visit remains key. A US recession from a trade war could hurt further. The Ringgit weakened against the dollar, with USD/MYR at 4.2320, impacting exports.
Malaysian Developments
Malaysia’s Finance Minister revised the 2025 growth forecast down from 4.5%–5.5% due to US tariffs and weak demand. This may lower investor confidence. After a April 24 hacking incident, Bursa Malaysia is boosting cybersecurity. The JS-SEZ offers growth potential, benefiting CIMB and Gamuda despite CIMB’s dip.
Outlook and Investment Focus
Rakuten Trade predicts a 1,515–1,520 range soon, with a 1,730 year-end target. Focus on healthcare and consumer goods, like Apex Healthcare and Heineken Malaysia, for stability. Watch US trade moves closely, as they pose risks.