Market Summary
On July 18, 2025, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed higher, rising 4.92 points or 0.32% to finish at 1,525.86. The positive close was driven by bargain hunting and renewed interest in blue-chip stocks after earlier losses in the week. The broader market mirrored this sentiment, with 621 gainers against 393 losers, and 511 counters unchanged. Trading activity was healthy, with turnover improving slightly to 3.18 billion shares valued at RM2.81 billion, up from the previous session.
Movers & Shakers
Top Gainers:
- Gamuda Bhd (+3.89%): A leading infrastructure company, Gamuda saw significant trading volume and upward price momentum.
- Public Bank Bhd (+1.41%) and Sunway Bhd (+1.40%): Both stocks were among the top movers, likely boosted by institutional buying and renewed sector confidence.
- Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, and CelcomDigi Bhd also contributed to overall index gains.
Top Losers:
- Sime Darby Bhd (-3.53%): Sime Darby led decliners on the KLCI, facing profit taking after prior strength.
- Axiata Group Bhd and IOI Corp Bhd both registered declines, possibly reflecting sectoral rotation.
Among the most actively traded counters by volume were Enproserve Group Bhd, NexG Bhd, and Zetrix AI Bhd, highlighting continued retail interest in technology and lower-cap names.
Sector & Policy Highlights
- Local Drivers: A rebound in KLCI was supported by improved economic sentiment domestically after a period of consolidation. The lifting of the market was partially attributed to stock accumulation by local institutional investors following profit-taking earlier in the week.
- Corporate Earnings: Ongoing earnings season and better-than-expected results from key companies, especially within the technology sector, further bolstered sentiment. Renewed AI and tech demand are a tailwind for selected Malaysian stocks, in line with the global uptrend.
- Ringgit & Commodities: The ringgit remained relatively stable, trading at 4.2440 against the USD, offering mild support to export-oriented companies as oil prices held steady around US$85 per barrel.
Government & Policy Developments:
- Monetary Policy: Recent adjustments to the Overnight Policy Rate by Bank Negara Malaysia are viewed as supportive of economic activity and provide a positive backdrop for equities in the medium term.
- Global Policy Changes: The broader ASEAN and global markets were influenced by strong U.S. economic data and the rally on Wall Street, with U.S. Fed commentary indicating steady interest rates and easing inflation concerns. Developments in global tech, especially earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), resonated throughout Asian and Malaysian equity markets.
Challenges:
- External Headwinds: Investors remain watchful over ongoing U.S.-Malaysia tariff negotiations and global trade concerns, though no new direct policy shocks impacted the market today. Market participants expect continued volatility as policy announcements unfold in the coming weeks.
Table: Top KLCI Movers (July 18, 2025)
| Company | One-day Change (%) | YTD Change (%) | Market Cap (RM mil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamuda Bhd | +3.89 | +25.64 | 13,840 |
| Public Bank Bhd | +1.41 | -5.48 | 83,660 |
| Sunway Bhd | +1.40 | +5.64 | 31,500 |
| Sime Darby Bhd | -3.53 | -30.17 | 11,178 |
| CelcomDigi Bhd | +0.82 | -0.76 | 51,620 |