Bursa Malaysia began Thursday’s trading session on a stronger footing, lifted by global market enthusiasm following the US Federal Reserve’s latest decision to cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points — a move widely interpreted as a turning point toward a more dovish monetary stance.
The FBM KLCI gained 1.17 points to reach 1,612.17 at 9.10am, supported by broad-based buying interest. Market breadth was positive, with 186 gainers beating 101 decliners, reflecting renewed appetite among investors for equities.
Rakuten Trade’s Thong Pak Leng said market sentiment improved significantly overnight after Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell ruled out the possibility of further rate hikes in the foreseeable future. “This has given investors confidence that monetary tightening is effectively over,” he said.
He noted that expectations are rising for additional cuts in 2026, with investors anticipating between two and three more reductions. The US 10-year Treasury yield also continued to weaken, easing to 4.155 per cent.
Back home, Thong expects the local benchmark index to consolidate within the 1,610–1,620 band.
In early trade, blue-chip counters such as Maybank, CIMB Group and Tenaga Nasional recorded small but steady gains, contributing to the positive tone. Meanwhile, Public Bank stood unchanged and IHH Healthcare saw marginal strengthening.
Among the day’s most active stocks, BMS Holdings, Astro Malaysia and Velesto Energy saw minor increases, while newly listed Wasco Greenergy eased slightly. Hartalega continued to face selling pressure.
Manufacturing and technology counters dominated the top gainers, led by Malaysian Pacific Industries. Meanwhile, construction and energy-linked counters experienced declines, with Gamuda topping the losers’ list.
Sector indices reflected a mixed but generally resilient market outlook. Financial Services and Energy posted gains, while the Plantation sector faced modest downward pressure.