Bursa Malaysia eyes 1,560 breakout next week as GDP data, tariff news loom
UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd's head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, said the near-term momentum would remain path-dependent on investor sentiment and the regional risk premium.
He noted that Malaysia's final second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025) gross domestic product (GDP) reading, due on Friday (Aug 15), should confirm the economy's resilience, with forecast unchanged at 4.5 per cent year-on-year.
'On the same day, China will publish its latest retail sales figures, as we believe the marginal policy impact is now diminishing, with our projection pointing to a moderation to 4.6 per cent year-on-year.
'These drivers could recalibrate regional equity risk appetite and influence commodity-linked trade flows into Asean markets,' he told Bernama.
Mohd Sedek also said investors remained focused on United States (US) semiconductor tariff announcement, as tariff-sensitive sectors could experience episodic volatility,
'The prevailing global macro narrative is anchored on imminent US Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts as it may exert a stronger influence on cross-asset flows, potentially superseding trade-related caution.
'We view positive domestic macro prints and robust US corporate earnings should provide further underpinning for the index,' he said.
Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said investors are keeping a close watch on US-China trade relations.
He said reports signalled that talks might restart amid escalating tariff impacts and geopolitical uncertainty, both of which are influencing global market trends.
On a weekly basis, the benchmark index rose 23.63 points to 1,556.98 on Friday from 1,533.35 a week earlier.
The FBM Emas Index increased 76.46 points to 11,601.79, the FBMT 100 Index gained 94.28 points to 11,379.91, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index climbed 93.42 points to 11,634.18.
The FBM 70 Index declined 208.34 points to 16,505.53, while the FBM ACE Index dropped 17.49 points to 4,606.88.
By sector, the Financial Services Index soared 100.62 points to 17,580.82, the Plantation Index added 55.15 points to 7,426.12, while the Energy Index slipped 12.88 points to 736.72.
Weekly turnover swelled to 12.65 billion units worth RM11.65 billion from 15.94 billion units worth RM11.88 billion in the previous week.
The Main Market volume shrank to 7.66 billion units valued at RM10.61 billion compared with 8.33 billion units valued at RM10.46 billion previously.
Warrants turnover declined to 3.62 billion units worth RM508.07 million from 5.50 billion units worth RM859.03 million in the preceding week.
The ACE Market volume decreased to 1.37 billion units valued at RM529.84 million versus 2.10 billion units valued at RM561.51 million a week ago. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
From scrap to art: Ex-lorry driver turns used tyres into thriving business
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — For most people, used tyres are seen as worthless waste, but for Muhammad Akhmal Adib, these 'leftovers' have been transformed into a thriving source of income through a range of creative, high-demand products. Starting as a hobby making flower pots during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020, the 33-year-old former lorry driver from Durian Tunggal, Melaka, never expected that his pastime would turn into a full-time business. He produces around 32 unique designs including flower pots, house signboards, chairs, tables, and various animal shapes such as storks, turtles, and frogs, using nearly 1,000 used tyres monthly to fulfil orders from customers throughout Peninsular Malaysia. 'At first, I tried making flower pots for home decoration. Then my wife suggested making them prettier and promoting them on Facebook. Unexpectedly, people started asking to buy them, and the number of customers has grown continuously until today,' he told Bernama recently. He said initially he used about 100 tyres monthly to produce these unique recycled products, but over the last two years, growing demand has increased his usage by tenfold every month. Entrepreneur Muhammad Akhmal Adib, 33, turned a hobby making flower pots during the 2020 movement control order into a full-time business that also promotes recycling. — Bernama pic Typically, the products are used for garden decoration, residential landscaping, creative signboards, school décor, and community projects focused on environmental sustainability, with deliveries made via courier services. Among the best-selling items currently are small, cute flower pots (around 18 to 20 inches), and Muhammad Akhmal can complete 50 units of these small pots within two days. 'Previously, I could get tyres for free from tyre shops, but many were damaged, with wires exposed, which is dangerous if made into products for sale. So now I buy used tyres that are still in good condition, priced between RM2.50 to RM5 each depending on the size,' he explained. Operating in a workshop specially built near his home, every tyre collected is washed, cut, and shaped according to specific designs before being assembled using screws and painted with bright colours. The final products are then detailed with eyes, patterns, or writing, before being sprayed with a protective finish to withstand weather conditions. 'I take inspiration from various sources — some ideas come from customers, some from children's toys. I also learned welding, which helps a lot in design and product structure,' he said. Assisted by two workers, he explained that the products can last more than five years due to the durable natural rubber material, which does not easily rot even when exposed to rain and heat. Earning between RM7,000 to RM8,000 monthly from sales and orders, the father of two views his work as more than just a business because it also contributes to environmental conservation through recycling tyres, which are otherwise difficult to dispose of conventionally. 'Most people see used tyres as trash to be thrown away, but I see something useful when we creatively up-cycle them,' he said, also aspiring to expand his business nationwide. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Laksa-loving Ipoh native Win-Li Toh now heads Australia's Actuaries Institute
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Laksa cravings. Long chats with old school friends. Strolling through Ipoh Garden and Woolley Food Court (formerly Woo Lee). These may sound like everyday Malaysian indulgences — but for Win-Li Toh, they are grounding rituals that keep her connected to home despite holding one of the most prestigious roles in Australia's insurance and finance sector. The Ipoh-born former Methodist Girls' School (MGS) student was recently named president of the Actuaries Institute of Australia, making her one of the few Malaysians to lead a profession often working quietly behind the scenes but increasingly shaping public policy on climate change, cyber risks and intergenerational inequality. She is only the second Asian to helm the institute since its establishment in 1949. Before her name appeared on the institute's presidential roll — and long before she began advising global insurance firms in Sydney and Auckland — Toh was just a bright girl from Ipoh who loved puzzles and never missed her mother's asam laksa. 'The first thing I do when I come back is eat asam laksa at home or at Woolley's,' she said with a laugh. 'Then I see my dad, my brother, my best friends. Only after eating, of course.' The Actuaries Medal belonging to the President of the Australian Actuaries Institute Win-Li Toh was shown during an interview session here at the Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin Ipoh roots and Oxford dreams Toh was born and raised in Ipoh Garden, where her 90-something father, a retired doctor, still lives today with the help of a long-time family helper. She attended MGS Ipoh, where her love for mathematics took root. By 15, her academic talent was clear. Following in the footsteps of her elder siblings — one a doctor, the other an architect — she left Malaysia for Cheltenham Ladies' College in the UK to complete her A-levels. From there, she gained early admission to Oxford University to study pure mathematics. 'Oxford was a dream. I studied pure maths for three years and loved every moment of it,' she said. At Oxford, she met Dr Hilary Priestley, a mentor who rewarded 'elegant solutions' to complex problems with mini Mars bars. 'I only got one in three years, but I still remember the equation. It was the first time I understood the joy of solving a problem beautifully. It taught me that clarity of thought matters more than brute force,' she said. From maths to actuarial science After Oxford, Toh stumbled upon actuarial science at a London career fair, where two actuaries convinced her she could turn her love for puzzles into real-world problem-solving in finance and risk. 'Being an actuary isn't just about numbers. It's about understanding risk, making ethical decisions and translating technical knowledge into real-world solutions,' she said. Now in her mid-50s, Toh is a general insurance actuary and consultant, serving as the appointed actuary for several international insurers in Australia and New Zealand. Her work spans financial condition reports, reserving and pricing assessments, reinsurance reviews and regulatory compliance. She also tackles emerging areas such as climate risk, social welfare modelling and cyber resilience — where actuaries help governments predict how investments in education or health could offset future costs in justice or corrections. Malaysian strengths While based between Australia and New Zealand, Toh remains a strong advocate of Malaysia's academic strengths, especially in mathematics. 'When I arrived overseas, I was way ahead of everyone else in maths. In Malaysia, you're taught to treat maths like breathing — it's not about being good or bad, you just do it,' she said. Toh described Malaysians as 'natural actuaries' who thrive on diversity, adapt quickly and bring multiple perspectives to problem-solving. 'We're no longer just number crunchers. We're in the boardroom, advising governments, modelling disaster response and working with tech companies,' she said. WIn Li Toh comes back often and Malaysia is never far from her heart. She loves assam laksa and more and makes it a point to hit her favourite spots in Ipoh when she's visiting or working. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin Deep roots, global reach Despite her international career, Toh's ties to Ipoh remain strong. She fondly recalls school band rehearsals, taekwondo, tennis at Ipoh Swimming Club and late-night study sessions. 'I still speak Malay and Chinese. The Padang Ipoh, the FMS Bar — the same waiters are still there. And there's a food revolution with Michelin-rated restaurants and fusion cafés run by young people. I love it,' she said. Toh is a mother of 20-year-old twins, both studying engineering in Sydney. She sees the actuarial profession as expanding far beyond its traditional scope. 'It's no longer just about pensions and insurance. We're involved in public policy, social welfare and climate change economics. My goal is to help people understand that actuaries are not just number crunchers — we're advisors, policy thinkers and problem solvers,' she said. Her advice to Malaysians: 'Don't let anything stop you. You don't have to come from privilege. Stay curious and embrace challenges. If you love maths and puzzles, this could be your path too.' Before flying back to Australia, Toh has one last item on her to-do list. 'Get a good roti canai. Maybe some soup noodles too. That's non-negotiable,' she said with a smile.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Beyond disputes: Turning Ambalat and Pedra Branca into platforms for maritime cooperation
THE maritime disputes over Ambalat and Batu Puteh are complex. Ambalat, located in the resource-rich Sulawesi Sea, is claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia since the early 2000s. The area is believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, and both countries have issued oil exploration licences that have led to diplomatic protests and naval stand-offs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasised the role of Sabah — which is the Malaysian state closest to the area — in ensuring that any joint development has equitable outcomes for border communities. Meanwhile, the dispute over Batu Puteh was partially resolved in 2008 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over it to Singapore. In the same judgment, the ICJ ruled that Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while sovereignty over South Ledge would rest with the state in whose territorial waters it is located. As the ICJ did not delimit maritime boundaries, South Ledge's status is unresolved. In recent years, bilateral efforts have intensified to resolve outstanding maritime issues. At the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in January, both governments agreed to begin technical work to delimit maritime boundaries in the Johor Strait, using the 1927 Territorial Waters Agreement as a legal basis. Singapore's continued engagement through the Joint Technical Committee reflects its commitment to resolve maritime issues through dialogue and legal frameworks. These disputes reflect deeper questions of sovereignty, historical memory and control over vital sea lanes. But they also present an opportunity to transform contested maritime zones into shared spaces of cooperation. Malaysia and Indonesia should consider establishing a joint development authority (JDA) to manage resources and reduce tensions over Ambalat. Similarly, Malaysia and Singapore could explore cooperative arrangements around Middle Rocks and South Ledge, focusing on maritime safety, environmental stewardship and scientific research. Such frameworks — already proven in the Malaysia-Thailand JDA in the Gulf of Thailand — would allow all parties to benefit economically while preserving their legal positions. Importantly, joint development does not require any party to relinquish its claims. Under Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , states are encouraged to reach provisional arrangements pending final delimitation. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have played pivotal roles in Asean's evolution and have consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. Their cooperation on Ambalat and Batu Puteh could serve as a model for other maritime disputes in Southeast Asia, including in the South China Sea. A coordinated initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore — each addressing their respective maritime disputes — could serve as a model for broader governance reforms within Asean, strengthening its commitment to pragmatic diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Public discourse in all three countries must focus on collaboration. Parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders should advocate for open dialogue, confidence-building measures and creative legal solutions. The media should frame these disputes as opportunities for partnership. Ambalat and Batu Puteh should be reimagined as foundations for a shared maritime future — where sovereignty concerns are balanced with economic pragmatism and regional solidarity. The establishment of JDAs would not only unlock resource potential but also signal that Southeast Asia is capable of resolving disputes through diplomacy and innovation. During the recent Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to resolving the Ambalat dispute through peaceful means. Both leaders agreed to explore joint development initiatives as they recognise that legal processes may take years. This bilateral momentum reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. On the Batu Puteh front, Singapore has likewise shown its willingness to cooperate. These parallel bilateral engagements — Malaysia with Indonesia over Ambalat, and Malaysia with Singapore over Batu Puteh — signal a commitment to regional stability, peaceful dispute resolution and collaborative maritime governance.
