The FBM KLCI rebounded to close at 1806.96 points today after having stayed largely in the red throughout the day on worse than expected January exports data and lack of fresh leads.

Malaysia’s exports fell 0.6% to RM63.6 billion in January 2015 from a year earlier on lower sales of crucial products to major importing nations, the Statistics Department said in a statement earlier.

The decline was due to lower sales to China, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea; the numbers were mainly dragged by lower exports of refined petroleum items and liquefied natural gas (LNG) besides palm oil and natural rubber.

As at 5pm, the KLCI was up 0.05% or 0.87 points compared to yesterday's close of 1806.09 points, underpinned by gains in heavyweight counters like CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd .

"The market has also been very quiet over the past week, one of the reasons could be that there is no catalyst that could stimulate the market," a dealer told theedgemarkets.com.

He added that the current lacklustre trading trend should continue into the next week should there be no major announcements preceding it.

Across the exchange, some 2 billion shares worth RM1.93 billion changed hands today.

Gainers outnumbered losers by 456 to 361, while 311 counters remained unchanged.

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This post has been edited by hiyyl: Mar 7 2015, 12:49 AM

The FBM KLCI fell 0.84% as the ringgit weakened against a stronger US dollar as investors bet US interest rates will rise earlier than expected.

The KLCI closed at 1,791.74 points in line with dampened sentiment in Asian markets. The KLCI had pared losses after declining to an intraday low of 1,778.99 earlier.

Reuters reported that Asian stocks buckled while the dollar held firm on Monday after strong U.S. jobs data fanned expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve may raise interest rates sooner than previously thought.

Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.95%, while South Korea’s Kospi declined 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.17%

According to Bloomberg, the ringgit weakened to 3.6800 against the US dollar, and was trading at 2.6669 against the Singapore dollar.

A stronger dollar is also expected to lower crude oil prices, which will not bode well for the Malaysian economy as the commodity forms a crucial component of the domestic economy.

In Malaysia, Danny Wong, chief executive officer of Areca Capital Sdn Bhd, attributed the fall in the KLCI to the weakening ringgit against the US dollar.

Wong said the weaker ringgit might have led to the selldown in oil and gas- related counters such as Petronas Dagangan Bhd and Petronas Gas Bhd

“There is this perception that Malaysia is going into a crisis as the ringgit is trading near the 1997 crisis levels of around RM3.70 to RM3.80, despite Malaysia being much stronger now,” Wong said.

Bursa Malaysia saw some 2.12 billion shares worth RM1.86 billion traded. Decliners beat gainers at 544 versus 273.

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bad shape? so far seems okay to me

The FBM KLCI erased gains at the final minutes of trading as the ringgit and crude oil prices weakened amid a surging US dollar.

The KLCI fell 2.01 points or 0.11% to settle at its intraday low of 1,789.73. The index had earlier reached an intraday high of 1,799.05 as investors bargain hunted for beaten-down stocks after yesterday's 15.22-point decline.

Today, the ringgit weakened to 3.7040 against a US dollar buoyed by anticipation that US interest rates may rise earlier than expected.

Reuters reported that Brent crude oil fell 52 cents to US$58.01 a barrel by 0817 GMT, while U.S. crude dropped 34 cents to US$49.66. Brent crude fell towards $58 a barrel on Tuesday as the dollar scaled multi-year highs, but data showing a recovery in China's annual consumer inflation checked losses.

The greenback hit an eight-year high versus the yen and scaled a near 12-year peak against the euro, dragging on commodities priced in the dollar by making them expensive for holders of other currencies.

“The KLCI staged a slight rebound today after falling for the past few days, as concerns surrounding an interest rate hike by the US had eased,” said Lee Cherng Wee, an analyst with JF Apex Securities Bhd.

Lee said the KLCI's support was seen at around the 1,780 level.

Bursa Malaysia saw 2.53 billion shares worth RM2.32 billion exchanged. Gainers edged decliners at 457 versus 350 while 338 counters were unchanged.

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The FBM KLCI declined 0.65% today, amid the weakening of the ringgit against the US dollar, as concerns of an earlier interest rate hike spooked markets in the region.

At 5pm, the benchmark index fell 11.57 points or 0.65% to close at 1,778.16 points.

A remisier said the index fell in line with other markets in the region, with the weaker ringgit as the main factor behind the KLCI’s decline today.

“The ringgit fell to around RM3.70 against the dollar, its lowest in six years, as the dollar strengthened on worries of a potential hike in interest rates by the US,” he said.

Similarly, Maslynnawati Ahmad, chief economist of MIDF Amanah Research, said the volatility of the ringgit is likely to continue for the next three months, due to market expectations of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve in June.

She added that the weaker ringgit is also due to the negative sentiment on the Malaysian economy, following a slump in global crude oil prices.

According to Bloomberg, the ringgit weakened to RM3.6973 against the US dollar, and traded at RM2.6651 against the Singapore dollar.

The exchange saw some 2.49 billion shares worth RM2.23 billion exchanged. Market breadth was negative with 523 decliners against 321 gainers, while 294 counters were unchanged.

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u can open in local bank for foreign currency account. but i think there's some requirements to that.

The FBM KLCI gained 0.49% or 8.71 points to close at 1,786.87 today, aided by a rebound in the ringgit and moving in tandem with the uptrend in regional bourses.

"The ringgit seems to have found firmer footing against the US dollar today, and at the same time foreign institutions have slowed down their selling activities, which is why we are seeing some rebound," Jupiter Securities chartist Benny Lee told theedgemarkets.com.

Lee said for the short term, the market was still going through a correction. He expects the support and resistance levels for the FBM KLCI to be at 1,780 and 1,800 respectively.

The ringgit was trading at 3.6880 against the US dollar, at 5pm compared with 3.6972 yesterday.

Some 2.95 billion shares worth some RM2.2 billion were traded on Bursa today. Market breadth was positive with 537 gainers against 313 gainers, while 310 counters were unchanged.

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The FBM KLCI fell to its intraday low as investors took profit from earlier gains amid losses in neighbouring bourses.

Technical analysts said the decline in KLCI futures had also led to losses in the index today. At 5pm, the KLCI fell 5.12 points or 0.29% to settle at 1,781.75.

For comparison, Singapore’s Straits Times Index declined 0.32%, Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index was down 0.25% while the Thailand's SET index fell 0.14%.

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd regional chartist Lee Cheng Hooi told theedgemarkets.com: “A poor performance today suggests that the KLCI took its cue from the softer ASEAN markets, rather than the firmer North Asian markets as well as the US markets."

“With the March KLCI futures now at an 8.83-point discount against the KLCI, I see little reason to be bullish in the near term,” Lee said.

North Asian markets rose. Japan's Nikkei 225 added 1.39%, South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.77% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was 0.1% higher.

Bursa Malaysia saw some 2.96 billion shares worth RM1.82 billion traded. There were 471 decliners versus 372 gainers while 308 counters were unchanged.

British American Tobacco (M) Bhd led decliners, while the gainers were headed by United U-LI Corp Bhd. The top active stock was Sumatec Resources Bhd.

The ringgit strengthed against other currencies as crude oil prices rose. According to Bloomberg data, the ringgit was traded at RM3.6855 against the US dollar and RM2.6602 against the Singapore dollar.

Reuters reported that oil prices steadied after an overnight sell-off following estimates showing another big supply build at the delivery point for the U.S. crude contract.

U.S. crude edged up about 0.3 percent to US$47.17 a barrel after plunging 2.3 percent in the previous session, while Brent edged slightly higher to US$57.09 after shedding nearly 1 percent.

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The FBM KLCI fell in the final trading minutes as a weaker ringgit amid cheaper crude oil hit investors' sentiment.

The KLCI closed 1.21 points or 0.07% lower at 1,780.54 points at 5pm as oil and gas-related stocks like SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd fell.

“Overall, the KLCI is still reacting to the ups and downs of oil prices. It started with losses in the morning mainly because global crude oil prices have come down quite a fair bit over the weekend.

“But, the market is also adjusting to the movements in oil prices and investors are slowly shifting their focus away from oil and gas counters to other sectors like consumer. In particular, poultry farmers appear to be in play and are showing their strength among the top performing counters,” a remisier told theedgemarkets.com.

Reuters reported that oil prices continued to tumble, with U.S. crude dropping more than 2 percent at one point to a six-year low amid oversupply fears. The International Energy Agency said on Friday that the global supply glut is growing and U.S. production shows no sign of slowing.

U.S. crude shed about 1.2 percent to $44.31 a barrel, while Brent crude lost about 0.6 percent to $54.32.

The ringgit weakened to 3.7045 versus the US dollar and changed hands at 2.6641 to the Singapore dollar. The ringgit is softening against a surging US dollar, in anticipation of an earlier-than expected interest rate hike in the US.

The KLCI, which opened in the red, had earlier rebounded as investors eyed gains in China markets.

Reuters reported that Hong Kong shares rose on Monday in step with strong gains in mainland markets on expectation that China will loosen policy to bolster its slowing economy, but analysts say the strenthening U.S. dollar is having a negative effect on Hong Kong stocks.

Across Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.53%, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.08% while Japan’s Nikkei was lower by 0.04%%

At Bursa Malaysia's market close, the exchange saw 2.46 billion stocks changed hands valued at RM1.89 billion.

Decliners advanced with 504 counters, outnumbering the 294 gainers.

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The FBM KLCI closed 7.33 points or 0.41% higher as Asian markets rose following overnight US share gains.

Malaysia's KLCI ended at 1787.87 points at 5pm today on gains in stocks like PPB Group Bhd and Petronas Gas Bhd.

A remisier told theedgemarkets.com, “The KLCI has gone up today because of the positive movement in the US market overnight.

“Foreigners are still net sellers and investors every where remains very cautious of the KLCI,” he said.

Regional indices were generally upbeat. Japan’s Nikkei advanced 0.99%, South Korea’s Kospi was up 2.14% while Australia’s ASX gained 0.77%

Reuters reported that Asian shares rose on Tuesday, following Wall Street's lead, as investors speculated that weaker-than-expected U.S. data could prompt the Federal Reserve to express caution this week on the timing of a future rate hike.

The Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled to begin its two-day policy meeting later on Tuesday, and many analysts had expected the central bank to drop the word "patient" from its formal statement on the timing of its first interest rate increase since 2006.

Economists polled by Reuters were almost evenly split on whether a rate increase will come in June or later in the year.

Such sentiment had curbed the US dollar's strength. The ringgit was traded firmer versus the US dollar at 3.6965.

Compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit was also stronger at 2.6610.

Across Bursa Malaysia, 2.49 billion shares valued at RM1.84 billion were traded. There were 347 gainers today, 490 decliners while 315 counters were unchanged.

Gainers were led by Nestle (M) Bhd, Shangri-La Hotels (M) Bhd and PPB. Major decliners included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Kluang Rubber Co (M) Bhd.

The most actively traded stock today was Eti Tech Corp Bhd, which saw some 416 million shares changed hands.

Bursa Malaysia had earlier today issued an unusual market activity query on the rise in Eti Tech's share trading volume. The stock fell two sen or 16% to end the day at 10.5 sen.

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There's also free fall in a free market

The FBM KLCI rose 9.7 points or 0.54%, led by China share gains in anticipation that the world's second-largest economy would implement measures to sustain growth.

Reuters reported that Chinese shares, already sitting atop multi-year highs, rallied for a sixth straight day. Soft Chinese data failed to dampen sentiment and instead raised hopes Beijing would make fresh stimulus moves.

In Malaysia, the KLCI ended at 1,797.57 points on gains in stocks like PPB Group Bhd ( Financial Dashboard) and Genting Bhd ( Financial Dashboard). Besides China, analysts said investors were preoccupied with the possible direction US interest rates.

“The theory is that if there is an increase in US interest rate policy, then capital markets here in Malaysia can expect to see an outflow in funds," an analyst said.

The China factor had also resulted in share gains in other Asian markets. Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.55% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 0.91%.

Bursa Malaysia saw 303 gainers, 533 decliners and 288 unchanged counters. A total of 2.13 billion shares valued at RM1.87 billion changed hands.

Top gainers include British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and PPB Group Bhd. Decliners were led by Allianz Malaysia Bhd and Tasek Corp Bhd.

Wintoni Group Bhd, the bourse's most-active stock fell as much as 14.5 sen or 38% on speculation that brokers had placed a trade limit on the stock, according to remisiers.

Wintoni, which designs automation systems, fell to an intraday low of 23.5 sen before paring losses. At 5pm, the stock closed at 28.5 sen with some 157 million shares traded.

“Market talk is that some brokers have put a limitation (on Wintoni's share trade). If clients want to buy the stock they have to put cash upfront, or have collateral.

“They (brokers) have put a restraint on the flow of money into the counter, hence, it could have triggered a selling point today,” a remisier told theedgemarkets.com.

Last Thursday (Mar 12), Bursa Malaysia cautioned investors on the trading dynamics of Wintoni shares. This followed the recent sharp rise in the stock's price. The remisier said Bursa's warning had dented sentiment on Wintoni shares.

Today, the ringgit was also in the limelight after Fitch indicated that it was prepared to downgrade Malaysia’s credit rating. The ringgit weakened to 3.7075 against the US dollar and compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit weakened to 2.6641.

Bloomberg reported that the ringgit fell as Fitch said Malaysia’s credit ranking sits “more naturally” in the BBB range, suggesting a possible downgrade.

The nation is currently rated A-, the fourth-lowest investment grade, and two levels above BBB.

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The FBM KLCI retreated as investors took profit following substantial gains on news of the US monetary stance.

At 5pm, the KLCI fell 5.48 points or 0.3% to settle at 1,803.65 points.

Yesterday, the KLCI rose 11.56 points to close at 1,809.13 after US policymakers indicated that rate hikes would be gradual. Such sentiment had resulted in global fund flows into emerging Asian markets like Malaysia, where interest rates are higher.

Today, an analyst told theedgemarkets.com that apart from the US factor, investors were also mindful of Malaysian economic dynamics.

These include concerns on 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) debts as well as as the country's possible credit rating downgrade by Fitch.

“The decline in the KLCI shows that the market is cautious of the inherent issues in Malaysia, particularly concerns over the 1MDB's debts as well as the possible downgrade by Fitch.

"That is why you will see that many investors have chosen to stay on the sidelines and trading on Bursa Malaysia move sideways,” he said.

Overall, Bursa Malaysia saw 325 gainers and 471 decliners while 314 unchanged counters.

A total of 2.12 billion shares valued at RM3.14 billion changed hands.

Top gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd. Meanwhile, top decliners included Lafarge Malaysia Bhd and Batu Kawan Bhd

MQ Technology Bhd was the most actively traded stock.

The weakening ringgit was also closely watched as low inflation raises the likelihood of an interest rate cut by Bank Negara Malaysia.

The ringgit weakened to 3.7333 against the US dollar, and depreciated to 2.6884 against the Singapore dollar

BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research said in a report today Malaysia's February inflation at 0.1% year-on-year, may prompt Bank Negara to cut interest rates.

"The sharp fall in inflation has raised the likelihood of policy easing, in our view," BofA Merrill Lynch said.

Across regional share markets, Japan’s Nikkei was up 0.43%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.38% while South Korea’s Kospi was lower by 0.03%.

Reuters reported that Asian stocks stalled on Friday as Federal Reserve-inspired gains petered out, while the dollar steadied after rebounding from the shock of a surprisingly dovish U.S. central bank.

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The FBM KLCI fell 7.8 points or 0.43% to its intraday low as investors took profit following the index's earlier gains.

At 5pm, the KLCI settled at 1,795.85 points. The index had earlier risen to its intraday high at 1,811.08.

Bursa Malaysia saw 2.13 billion shares worth RM1.772 billion traded. Decliners edged out gainers by 436 against 374, while 311 counters remained unchanged.

Leading gainers included Hunza Properties Bhd and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd.

Top decliners included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Hong Leong Capital Bhd

The most active stock was Privasia Technology Bhd.

Across the region, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.03%, Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.99% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed 0.49% higher.

Reuters reported that Asian shares started the week on a strong note on Monday after a weaker U.S. dollar helped fuel gains on Wall Street.

The ringgit strengthened against world currencies. The ringgit strengthened to 3.6950 versus the dollar and compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit appreciated to 2.6803.

Bloomberg reported that Malaysia’s ringgit led gains in Asian currencies on growing speculation the Federal Reserve will delay raising interest rates until the second half and as a technical gauge signaled a three-week loss was overdone.

A remisier told theedgemarkets.com that although the ringgit had strengthened, investors were still mindful of the currency's weakness.

“The possible credit rating downgrade on Malaysia by Fitch, I think, is also impacting market sentiment,” he said.

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The FBM KLCI rose 18.19 points or 1.01% on foreign fund buying amid a stronger ringgit.

At 5pm, the KLCI settled at 1,814.04 points on gains in stocks like PPB Group Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong said: “The big-cap companies had pushed up the index while the small-cap companies underperformed today."

“This suggests the possibility that there’s some sentiment that foreign funds are returning. Last week, foreign funds were a net buyer so we hope this will continue,” Wong said.

Bursa Malaysia saw 1.95 billion shares worth RM1.834 billion traded.

Decliners edged out gainers by 415 against 400 while 329 counters remained unchanged.

Top gainers included PPB, KLK and Tenaga. Decliners were led by Hong Leong Capital Bhd and Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd.

The top active stock was Asia Bioenergy Technologies Bhd.

The firmer ringgit was closely watched. The ringgit strengthened to 3.6490 versus the US dollar and compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit appreciated to 2.6734.

Bloomberg reported that the ringgit headed for its biggest two-day gain since September 2013 on further signs the U.S. central bank will refrain from tightening policy until the second half, easing concern that cash will flow out from Malaysian assets.

Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said on Monday in New York there won’t be a “smooth upward path” for rates, with the first increase potentially late in 2015. The reprieve for Malaysia could be temporary as HSBC Holdings Plc forecasts the nation’s central bank will cut its benchmark rate to 3% from 3.25% in the second quarter.

Across Asian share markets, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.23% while Japan's Nikkei 225 dipped 0.21%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.39%.

Reuters reported that the index of Asian shares swung between positive and negative territory today after data showed that Chinese factory output cantered to an 11-month low, highlighting weakness in the economy.

The report stated that the flash HSBC/Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dipped to 49.2 in March, below the 50.6 consensus of economists polled by the news agency.

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The FBM KLCI extended gains as the weaker ringgit spurred foreign institutional demand for Malaysian shares.

At 5pm, the KLCI rose 5.06 points or 0.28% to close at 1,819.10 points. Yesterday, the KLCI climbed 18.19 points or 1.01% to settle at 1,814.04.

Today, Bursa Malaysia saw 2.04 billion shares worth RM2.122 billion traded.

Gainers edged out decliners by 449 against 391, while 298 counters remained unchanged.

Gainers were led by British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Hong Leong Capital Bhd.

Leading decliners included Rapid Synergy Bhd and Genting Plantations Bhd.

Top active stocks included Asia Bioenergy Technologies Bhd and Genetec Technology Bhd.

Jupiter Securities Sdn Bhd chief market strategist Benny Lee said the KLCI's momentum yesterday continued today.

“I think the institutions have started to pick up, especially the foreign institutions, and I guess because our market is underperforming against the other markets.

“With the weak ringgit, the valuation is cheaper compared to most of the markets in the region. That creates an opportunity for foreign investors to come and pick local stocks," Lee said.

The ringgit depreciated to 3.6660 against US dollar at the time of writing. Compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit weakened to 2.6807.

The ringgit had weakened in tandem with prices of crude oil, which constitutes a crucial component of Malaysia's economy.

Lee said the market was still cautious as investors were still anticipating crude oil prices to fall further.

“They are just waiting to see if crude oil prices stabilises or the whether the ringgit is stabilising against the US dollar,” he added.

Reuters reported that crude oil futures fell on Wednesday as more evidence emerged that China's strategic reserves could nearly be full and U.S. inventories were also ballooning.

Brent crude oil futures dropped 18 cents to $54.93 a barrel at 0812 GMT. U.S. WTI crude was down 36 cents at $47.15 per barrel.

Across Asian share markets, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.07%, Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.17% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.52%.

Reuters reported that Hong Kong shares ended mixed on Wednesday, with real estate shares rebounding but shares of most major Chinese companies falling in line with losses in mainland markets.

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The FBM KLCI ended flat amid volatile trade as regional markets fell.

Improvement in crude oil prices, however, curbed the KLCI's losses.

At 5pm, the KLCI declined 0.68 point or 0.04% to close at 1,818.42 point. The index, which opened in positive territory, had fallen to an intraday low of 1,815.41 before reducing losses.

Gains in oil and gas-related entities like Petronas Dagangan Bhd and SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd had helped the KLCI reduce losses.

"At the moment, the (crude oil) prices were mostly positive, but any sharp turn in prices could translate to volatility in our own market as well. This is something that needs to be watched daily.

“However, positive oil prices mean a strengthening of our ringgit against the US dollar, and a rebound for the oil & gas counters on Bursa. So indirectly, our market is being helped by this unfortunate situation,” a remisier told theedgemarkets.com.

Bursa Malaysia saw 2.44 billion shares worth RM1.955 billion traded. Gainers edged out decliners by 426 against 397, while 343 counters remained unchanged.

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The FBM KLCI ended lower in tandem with Asian markets amid uncertainties following military strikes in Yemen.

At 5pm, the KLCI declined 5.05 points to close at 1,813.37 points.

Across Asia, South Korea's Kospi ended 0.14% lower, Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 0.04% while Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 0.95%.

Reuters reported that Asian stocks were mixed on Friday and the dollar rebounded as rising tensions in the Middle East clouded the investment outlook.

Japan's Nikkei handed back earlier gains. "Hedge funds and commodity trading advisors are seen taking profits and unwinding their options positions before the first quarter ends," a senior trader at a foreign brokerage in Tokyo was quoted as saying.

In Malaysia, Afffin Hwang Investment Bank head of retail research Datuk Dr Nazri Khan said the KLCI was expected to find support at 1,800 points.

Nazri said Asian markets were seen gaining from China and Europe's central banks' liquidity measures.

"We expect regional markets including Bursa to get support from the latest round of People's Bank of China liquidity injections and European Central Bank stimulus. Declining US dollar index and Yemen conflicts will be supportive for commodities and eventually should be bullish for Bursa Malaysia," he said.

At the time of writing, the ringgit weakened to 3.6840 against the US dollar. Compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit depreciate to 2.6855.

Bursa Malaysia saw 1.64 billion shares worth RM1.82 billion traded. Decliners edged out gainers by 391 against 354, while 362 counters remained unchanged.

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The FBM KLCI closed 0.47% higher in tandem with Asian markets and largely on inflows of foreign funds.

At the closing bell, the KLCI was up 8.46 points at 1,821.83 points.

Stocks like TAHPS Group Bhd and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd were among the top gainers today.

“Locally, the main catalyst would be the climb of local telco counters such as DiGi and Astro,” a fund manager told theedgemarkets.com.

He said that these are the defensive stocks that investors look to acquire as the current market is uncertain with the goods and services tax (GST) looming.

DiGi.com Bhd finished 2.26% or 14 sen higher at RM6.33 today while Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd climbed 2.90% or 9 sen to close at RM3.19.

On the climb of other indices in the region, he said the Fed announcement also suggested that the increase in the US interest rates would not come so soon.

“There is still time for foreign funds [to flow into the Asian region].”

The local bourse saw 1.92 billion shares worth some RM1.709 billion traded today, with gainers outpacing losers at 400 to 383. About 340 counters remained unchanged.

.....

Asian stock markets rose while China stocks neared a seven-year peak on hopes for more infrastructure spending and policy stimulus, while oil prices suffered further from excess supply, Reuters reported today.

Activity was guarded most elsewhere in a week book-ended with holidays and a US jobs report that could affect the timing of interest rate hikes there, said the news agency.

It added that most Southeast Asian stock markets rose today as inflows from end-quarter portfolios boosted select large caps, with the Philippine index rising to a record high and oversold Thai shares rebounding from recent losses.

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The benchmark FBM KLCI closed 8.95 points or 0.49% higher on the last day of trading for the first quarter ending March 31, 2015 (1Q15) to finish at 1830.78 points, which analysts say is mainly due to external factors like China’s property stimulus efforts to aid its ailing property market.

At market close at 5pm, the ringgit was trading at 3.6973 against the US dollar, significantly weaker than a year ago when it was trading at 3.2645 against the greenback.

Brent crude oil prices, on the other hand, continued to trade at sluggish levels of US$55 per barrel, as compared to US$107.76 per barrel a year ago.

Overall, a total of 2.15 billion shares, valued at RM2.46 billion, were traded during the day.

Market breadth was mixed with 417 gainers against 410 decliners, while 350 counters remained unchanged.

.....

TA Securities Holdings Bhd technical analyst Steven Soo said that KLCI’s gain today was mainly driven by external factors, such as China’s property stimulus efforts to aid its ailing property market.

“KLCI’s gain today is mainly attributed to external factors such as the easing of China’s property policies. On local factors, there may be some first quarter window dressing activities that could have contributed to the gain, but overall on the local front, investors are still cautious with the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) tomorrow,” he told theedgemarkets.com.

Reuters reported that Asian stocks rose across the board on Tuesday after a rally on Wall Street and steps by China to shore up its economy boosted risk appetite.

“After unveiling details over the weekend for a modern 'Silk Road' that could pump tens of billions of dollars into investment, China late on Monday announced steps to ease housing taxes and lending rules to prop up sliding house prices that have threatened economic growth,” said Reuters.

Bloomberg reported that emerging market stocks headed for the biggest first-quarter rally in three years on signs that China will do more to support growth in the world’s second largest economy.

Regionally, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.18%, South Korea’s KOSPI was up by 0.54%, while the Nikkei was down by 1.05%.

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