Bursa Malaysia snaps four-day losing streak

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Bursa Malaysia’s FBM KLCI index rose 11.27 points to close at 1,698.01 on Monday, ending a four-day losing streak amid bargain hunting despite continued negative market breadth. Investors remain cautious due to global uncertainties and upcoming economic data, with selective buying expected in blue-chip and banking stocks as the index shows signs of potential recovery.

KUALA LUMPUR — Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index, the FBM KLCI, broke a four-day losing streak on Monday, closing higher amid bargain hunting following recent market weakness. The key index rose 11.27 points, or 0.66%, to settle at 1,698.01 points, recovering from an intraday low of 1,682.49 before reaching its highest level of the day.

Despite the gain, market breadth remained negative, with 764 counters declining compared to 421 gaining. Out of the total of 2,842 listed counters, 498 stayed unchanged, 1,157 were untraded, and 26 suspended. Trading volume narrowed to 3.18 billion units worth RM2.79 billion, down from 3.57 billion units valued at RM3.28 billion in the previous trading session.

Market analysts highlighted a cautious near-term outlook for the FBM KLCI, suggesting that investors are likely to continue exercising selectivity amid ongoing global uncertainties. These include considerations around the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, oil prices, and geopolitical tensions, particularly developments in West Asia. Foreign fund flows are also expected to play a significant role in shaping market movement.

A market dealer pointed out that the recent dip could provide opportunities for bargain hunters, especially among fundamentally strong blue-chip stocks. Supporting this view, Kenneth Leong, head of research at Berjaya Research Sdn Bhd, said the index might extend its rebound, with further gains possible. He noted that market participants will be closely watching China’s upcoming retail sales and industrial production data, as these indicators provide insight into regional demand and manufacturing performance.

Leong forecasted that the FBM KLCI is likely to remain range-bound, with a mild upward bias, pending stronger catalysts for a sustained recovery. He identified key resistance levels at 1,714 and 1,722 points, while support stood at 1,680 and 1,676 points. Technically, the market had formed a bullish candlestick pattern, indicating potential movement toward the psychologically significant 1,700-point mark.

Similarly, Thong Pak Leng, vice-president of equity research at Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, noted that the index remains near oversold territory after recent declines. This situation could continue to attract selective bargain hunting, particularly among banking stocks, which now offer more attractive dividend yields due to falling share prices. Thong cautioned, however, that external uncertainties including geopolitical risks and central bank policies—both from the Fed and the Bank of Japan—could maintain elevated volatility and limit near-term recovery strength.

Among heavier trading stocks, Malayan Banking Bhd gained eight sen to RM10.46, Public Bank Bhd added five sen to RM4.85, and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd rose 18 sen to RM7.97. Tenaga Nasional Bhd and IHH Healthcare Bhd also increased by four sen and 11 sen respectively. On the other hand, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd and Nestle (M) Bhd were among the top decliners, each falling by 70 sen to RM40.00 and RM91.30, respectively.

Overall, investors remain attentive to a wide range of factors including global economic data, commodity prices, and geopolitical risks as the local market attempts to navigate a cautious and volatile environment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.