The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) started the final quarter of 2025 on a positive note, extending its winning streak for a third consecutive session. The benchmark index showcased resilience against significant external volatility, notably the impending US government shutdown.
The KLCI finished the trading day at 1,620.87, recording an increase of 8.99 points or +0.56%. This bullish momentum comes despite a mixed regional performance and heightened caution over global trade developments. Year-to-Date (YTD) gains for the index stand at 3.51%.
Global and Domestic Policy Drivers
The market’s performance on October 1, 2025, was largely influenced by contrasting global threats and persistent domestic optimism:
| Policy Factor | Impact on KLCI | Details |
| Global Headwind: US Government Shutdown | Cautionary/Capping Gains | The US government was expected to enter a shutdown, which typically introduces global uncertainty and risks delaying key economic data. Despite this, Wall Street’s resilient overnight performance, fueled by optimism over potential Fed rate cuts and AI earnings, provided a spillover boost to Bursa Malaysia. |
| Global Headwind: US Tariffs | Cautious Sentiment | Investor sentiment was capped by trade concerns, particularly the scheduled implementation of the latest round of US sectoral tariffs, which could negatively impact Malaysia’s export-dependent manufacturing sector. |
| Domestic Policy: Budget 2026 Anticipation | Supportive/Positive Outlook | Dealers are anticipating the upcoming tabling of Budget 2026 in October, which is expected to reinforce the government’s fiscal consolidation agenda and maintain funding for large-scale infrastructure projects. This provided underlying support, especially for Construction and Utility counters. |
Movers and Shakers: The Day’s Top Performers
Market activity saw a focus on heavyweight blue chips and specific sector leaders, though the overall breadth of the market was mixed.
Top FBM KLCI Movers (By Percentage Gain)
| Company | Close (RM) | One-day Change (%) | Market Cap (RM mil) |
| IHH Healthcare Bhd | 7.940 | +5.17% | 73,450.0 |
| 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd | 2.810 | +2.55% | 23,604.0 |
| Sime Darby Bhd | 2.730 | +0.19% | 15,199.0 |
IHH Healthcare Bhd was the standout KLCI mover, surging by 5.17%, contributing significantly to the index’s overall gain, despite the broader Healthcare sector index recording a slight loss.
Top FBM KLCI Laggards (By Percentage Loss)
| Company | Close (RM) | One-day Change (%) | Market Cap (RM mil) |
| Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) | 22.840 | -3.81% | 20,444.0 |
| CelcomDigi Bhd | 4.400 | -2.20% | 49,054.0 |
| IOI Corporation Bhd | 4.540 | -1.74% | 28,520.0 |
The Plantations sector was dragged down as KLK was the biggest drag on the index, reflecting cautious commodity trading.
Key Sectoral Performance
Sectoral movements were mixed but favored defensive and utility plays:
- Utilities led gains for the day, rising by nearly 2.0%.
- Construction was also firm.
- The REIT and Healthcare indices saw marginal declines.
Ringgit Performance
The Ringgit (MYR) traded under pressure against the US Dollar (USD) but saw minor strengthening against the Singapore Dollar (SGD).
- USD/MYR closed at 4.2072 (YTD change: 6.29%).
- SGD/MYR closed at 3.2652 (YTD change: 0.62%).