Overall Market Performance: Bursa Malaysia closed marginally higher on July 30, 2025, with the benchmark FBM KLCI gaining 0.68 points, or 0.04%, to settle at 1,524.50. This modest gain occurred amidst cautious trading as investors remained on the sidelines, awaiting domestic catalysts and digesting mixed global cues. The broader market, however, saw a mixed performance, with the FBM70 dropping 38.51 points to 16,489.70 and the FBM Small Cap declining by 7.71 points to 15,393.20. Total volume traded was 2.65 billion units valued at RM2.07 billion.
Key Movers and Shakers (FBM KLCI):
Top Movers (by Value):
- Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd: Rose 28 sen to RM4.07, with a volume of 18.403 million.
- Public Bank Bhd: Gained 8 sen to RM4.29, with a volume of 15.364 million.
- Hong Leong Bank Bhd: Increased 26 sen to RM19.30, with a volume of 9.450 million.
- Chin Teck Plantations Bhd: Garnered 27 sen to RM9.76.
- Far East Holdings Bhd: Surged 20 sen to RM4.00.
Top Laggards (by Value):
- Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd: Fell 40 sen to RM87.40, marking it as a top loser.
- Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd: Dipped 30 sen to RM28.60.
- Allianz Malaysia Bhd: Slid 28 sen to RM17.42.
- CIMB Group Holdings Bhd: Slipped 9 sen to RM6.55.
- Maybank Bhd: Lost 7 sen to RM9.45.
- Tenaga Nasional Bhd: Fell 4 sen to RM13.28.
Most Active Stocks (by Volume):
- NexG Bhd: 105.6 million units
- Zetrix AI Bhd: 49.1 million units
- Pharmaniaga Bhd: 42.7 million units
- SFP Tech Holdings Bhd: 39.7 million units
- Tanco Holdings Bhd: 20.3 million units
Malaysia Policy & Economic Outlook: Investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is set to be announced soon. Optimism from Malaysia’s stronger second-quarter GDP growth of 4.5% and expectations of sustained foreign direct investment provided some support. However, ongoing uncertainties surrounding the US-Malaysia trade negotiations and the potential expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), coupled with subsidy rationalization, could dampen consumer sentiment and earnings visibility.
Earlier this month, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) cut the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75%. This policy divergence with the US Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged, has amplified the risk of capital outflows from interest rate-sensitive sectors, particularly affecting Malaysian financials.
Global Policy & Market Influences: Global trade negotiations, especially with the US tariff negotiation deadline on August 1st, continue to be a significant factor influencing market movements. Investors are closely watching the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision expected later tonight (July 30th/31st). Concerns over slower global growth and US controls on advanced chip exports also contribute to the cautious sentiment in emerging markets, including Malaysia. The market is also pricing in increased volatility as these external developments unfold.