KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 ― Shares on Bursa Malaysia remained broadly higher at mid-day today as weaker than expected US economic data reduced the prospect of an increase in US interest rates in the near future.
At 12.30pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 10.20 points to 1,663.46, after fluctuating between 1,656.55 and 1,665.16 throughout the morning session.
It had closed at 1,653.26 on Friday.
Buying support was mostly spotted in selected heavyweights, especially in the finance and trade and services counters.
A dealer said local market sentiment remained cautious due to an absence of a fresh catalyst.
“As the dollar is seen weakening, any rate hike is likely to be delayed further,” the dealer added.
There were 347 gainers and 277 losers, with 344 counters unchanged, 710 untraded and 19 others suspended.
Turnover stood at 964.37 million shares worth RM806.52 million.
The FBM Emas Index gained 69.89 points to 11,655.00, the FBM Emas Shariah Index increased 65.78 points to 12,264.55 and the FBMT100 Index advanced 71.66 points to 11,355.44.
The FBM 70 was 91.46 points up to 13,298.18 and the FBM Ace firmed 39.38 points to 5,459.58.
Sector-wise, the Finance Index improved 81.17 points to 14,267.62, the Industrial Index added 17.98 points to 3,113.13 and the Plantation Index was 24.13 points better at 7,586.37.
Of the heavyweights, TNB added two sen to RM14.40, Public Bank rose 18 sen to RM19.68, IHH Healthcare gained four sen to RM6.58, while Maybank was unchanged at RM8.02.
Among actives, TH Heavy Engineering declined half-a-sen to 21.5 sen, Vivocom added one sen to 28.5 sen and M3 Technologies improved 1.5 sen to 13.5 sen. ― Bernama
