Malaysia’s KLCI index closes little changed at 1,524.59

Malaysia’s KLCI index closes little changed at 1,524.59

Malaysia’s benchmark index, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, closed at 1,524.59 on Friday, July 2, 2025, marking a slight increase of 0.3% from the previous session [1]. This performance was driven by gains in the real estate and construction sectors, with Gamuda Bhd leading the way with a 3.5% increase, followed by IOI Properties Group Bhd with a 3.2% gain [1]. Sime Darby Property Bhd, also in the real estate sector, rounded out the top three performers with a 1.9% increase.

The index was supported by the broader Asian market, where Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index rose by 0.7%, Thailand's SET Index increased by 0.6%, and Indonesia's JSX Composite Index added 0.3%. However, the Philippine PSEi Index gained only 0.1%, reflecting the varied performance across the region [1].

On the currency front, the Malaysian Ringgit fell 0.1% against the U.S. dollar, closing at 4.24 ringgit, while the Euro/Malaysian Ringgit climbed 0.3% to 4.94 ringgit [1]. This fluctuation in currency exchange rates may have influenced investor sentiment but did not significantly impact the KLCI's performance.

Looking ahead, the global forecast for the Asian markets remains directionless, with a lack of catalysts expected to influence the markets. The European and U.S. markets were mixed and flat, and the Asian bourses are expected to follow suit [2].

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) finished slightly higher on Friday, with gains from the financial sector offset by weakness in the telecoms sector and mixed performances from the industrials and plantations. Among the active stocks, Gamuda Bhd surged 3.50%, while Petronas Dagangan Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd both experienced significant declines of 2.30% and 3.53%, respectively [2].

The lead from Wall Street was soft, with the major averages opening slightly higher but quickly turning lower before ending mixed and little changed. The Dow shed 142.31 points, the NASDAQ rose 10.06 points, and the S&P 500 dipped 0.57 points [2].

Crude oil prices turned lower on Friday after OPEC's demand forecast prompted concerns of a production surplus. West Texas Intermediate crude for August delivery closed down by $0.20 at $67.34 per barrel [2].

Overall, Malaysia’s KLCI index closed little changed, reflecting a balanced performance across various sectors and the influence of global market dynamics.

References:
[1] https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/malaysia-s-klci-index-rises-for-second-day-6d1fd873-4870f3e0550d
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/malaysia-stock-market-may-spin-its-wheels-monday