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Economy

The best time to buy bank shares

A heavy weighting of banks within a portfolio could be considered unnecessarily risky

Source: The Business Times Singapore · August 18, 2026 at 7:31 AM · AI-assisted report

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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —

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Malaysian investors urged caution on bank shares amid volatility

Market Impact

KUALA LUMPUR — A financial analyst has warned that overweighting bank shares in investment portfolios may pose unnecessary risks, citing historical volatility in the sector. The caution comes as global banking stocks remain sensitive to economic cycles and regulatory shifts.

Malaysian investors closely monitoring the sector may face heightened volatility, particularly given past downturns such as the 2008 financial crisis, when bank shares across markets suffered sharp declines. While specific Malaysian bank performance was not detailed in the report, regional banking equities have shown similar sensitivity to macroeconomic pressures.

The analysis referenced DBS Group Holdings’ share price, which fell from about S$14 to S$7 within four years following the 2008 crisis. The report did not provide updated figures on current valuations or projections for Malaysian banks. Details not yet available on how local lenders compare in terms of risk exposure or recovery timelines.

Looking ahead, analysts suggest investors adopt a balanced approach when considering bank stocks, factoring in interest rate trends, asset quality, and regulatory developments. The outlook remains contingent on broader economic conditions, with no immediate indicators of sustained recovery in the sector. Investors are advised to diversify and assess risk tolerance before increasing exposure to financial equities.

Related: DBS

Reporting based on The Business Times Singapore. Figures and claims are subject to revision as the story develops. DomainFork publishes editorial context, not investment advice — see our editorial standards.