Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 11): The FBM KLCI closed up 4.34 points or 0.26% at 1,683.22 after Asian shares ended higher today. World equities took cue from the US Federal Reserve's dovish stance and news that US and Chinese officials are preparing for higher-level trade talks.

Bursa Malaysia small market capitalisation (small-cap) stocks rose by a larger quantum as investor interest appeared focused on Bursa Malaysia small-cap stocks. The small-cap index closed up 113.33 points or 0.94% at 12,104.83.

“We’re seeing a rotational play into small-cap (companies), particularly into technology-linked stocks and the oil and gas sector,” said Stephen Soo, senior technical analyst at TA Securities Holdings Bhd.
 
Across Bursa Malaysia, 2.89 billion shares were traded for RM2.17 billion. There were 526 gainers and 283 decliners.

Sapura Energy Bhd, Bumi Armada Bhd and VS Industry Bhd were among the most-actively traded stocks. Leading gainers included KESM Industries Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd and TIME dotCom Bhd.

Soo said a stronger ringgit against the US dollar and higher crude oil prices also supported stock markets. At the time of writing, the ringgit strengthened to 4.0960 against the US dollar amid news crude oil prices were on track for weekly gains.

Reuters reported that oil prices were on track for solid weekly gains on Friday after financial markets were lifted by hopes the US and China may soon resolve their trade disputes, and as OPEC-led crude output cuts tightened supply.

It was reported that Brent crude futures were traded at US$61.62 per barrel at 0749 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures changed hands at US$52.63 per barrel. It was reported that Brent and WTI are set for their second week of gains, rising nearly 8 percent and 10 percent respectively.

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