FBM KLCI - marginally lower on consolidation
Stocks on Bursa Malaysia closed on a softer note yesterday from selling activities, mainly in finance-related and small cap stocks. The weaker local bourse performance was an indication of its defensive stance unlike a steadier trend seen in the global equity markets in anticipation of an encouraging outcome from the Federal Reserve policymakers meeting later yesterday. The benchmark FBM KLCI closed 0.73 of a point lower at 1,564.02. Losers outnumbered gainers by 469 to 288 while 329 counters were unchanged. Total market volume dwindled to 1.163 billion shares worth RM1.471 billion from Monday’s close of 1.268 billion units valued at RM1.717 billion.
Stocks on Bursa Malaysia closed marginally higher yesterday supported by foreign institutional buying amid improved global economic sentiment. Strong buying interest was noted by foreign investors driven by the fact that mega projects were scheduled to kick off this year under the government’s Economic Transformation Programme. The benchmark FBM KLCI finished 3.53 points or 0.22% higher at 1,578.36 after fluctuating between 1,576.17 and 1,580.41 throughout the day. Decliners led advancers by 415 to 336 while 339 counters closed unchanged. Total volume climbed to 1.769 billion shares, valued at RM1.763 billion, from 1.742 billion shares, valued at RM2.03 billion, registered on Wednesday. 