Bursa Malaysia index slips modestly as traders await muted market activity

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI opened at 1,607.63 and settled at 1,607.07, a 0.06% decline, as bearish sentiment outweighed gains across the exchange. A total of 205 stocks fell versus 71 that rose, with 213 unchanged and 2,412 not traded. Trading volume amounted to 128.40 million units, valued at RM44.06 million.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd’s equity-research vice-president Thong Pak Leng noted the index trades around a 15-times P/E ratio, below its 16.5-times historical average, and expects limited movement within a 1,600-1,615 band. Among heavyweight names, Maybank, CIMB and IHH Healthcare held steady, Public Bank gained two sen, while Tenaga Nasional dropped ten sen. Energy-related stocks such as MISC and Petronas Chemicals posted gains, offset by losses in LPI Capital and Batu Kawan.