Bursa Malaysia closes at a high - thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

**Bursa Malaysia Ends at Record High as Oil Prices Fuel Energy and Utilities Stocks**

At the close of trading, the FBM KLCI, the benchmark index, gained 10.15 points, or 0.59%, to 1,741.61, up from Tuesday’s close of 1,731.46. The index opened marginally higher at 1,731.47 but dipped to a low of 1,728.64 in early trade before recovering momentum. Late-session buying pushed the index to its daily peak.

Advancers outnumbered decliners by 661 to 512, with 600 counters unchanged, 1,014 untraded, and 13 suspended. Market turnover rose to 3.70 billion shares valued at RM3.27 billion, compared with 3.43 billion shares worth RM2.94 billion the previous day.

An analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the FBM KLCI is expected to maintain its upward trajectory in the near term, supported by solid domestic fundamentals, corporate earnings, and sustained demand for defensive and commodity-linked stocks.

“However, elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and global market volatility could cap further gains and prompt profit-taking,” the analyst cautioned.

Mohd Sedek Jantan, director of investment strategy and country economist at IPPFA Sdn Bhd, attributed the index’s rise to gains in utilities and petrochemical counters, as crude oil prices neared US$90 per barrel.

“The performance aligns with the market’s recent trend, as investors rotate into commodity-linked sectors, where higher oil prices improve earnings prospects for energy-related companies,” he said.

“This rotation has intensified over the past two months as geopolitical risks keep energy prices elevated. Yet, higher crude oil prices have weighed on broader regional sentiment, with most Asian equity markets ending lower as investors reassess the impact of rising energy costs on inflation, interest rates, and corporate earnings,” Mohd Sedek added.

Among heavyweight stocks, Malayan Banking Bhd rose four sen to RM10.60, Public Bank Bhd was flat at RM5.19, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd added three sen to RM7.92, Tenaga Nasional Bhd gained 24 sen to RM14.58, and IHH Healthcare Bhd remained unchanged at RM8.35.

On the most active list, Dagang Nexchange Bhd rose 3.5 sen to 53 sen, Nexgram Holdings Bhd gained half a sen to six sen, Zetrix AI Bhd added 2.5 sen to 74 sen, Top Glove Corp Bhd edged up half a sen to 66.5 sen, and VS Industry Bhd slipped half a sen to 24 sen.

Top gainers included United Plantations Bhd, which rose 40 sen to RM33.60, Nestle (M) Bhd, up 30 sen to RM102.90, UMS Integration Ltd, advancing 28 sen to RM8.15, Hengyuan Refining Co Bhd, jumping 25 sen to RM1.95, and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, which gained 21 sen to RM4.65.

On the losing side, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd fell 60 sen to RM47.50, Hong Leong Industries Bhd dropped 34 sen to RM17.64, Ideal Capital Bhd sank 17 sen to RM3.50, THMY Holdings Bhd tumbled 15 sen to RM1.86, and Batu Kawan Bhd slid 14 sen to RM20.74.

Market observers noted that the day’s gains reflected a broader shift toward defensive and energy-linked stocks, a trend that has gained traction as oil prices remain elevated due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

While Malaysian equities benefited from this rotation, regional markets faced headwinds as investors weighed the broader economic impact of higher energy costs. Analysts warned that sustained oil price strength could eventually dampen consumer spending and corporate profitability, particularly in energy-importing economies.

Looking ahead, the performance of Bursa Malaysia will likely hinge on the trajectory of crude oil prices, domestic economic data, and corporate earnings. Investors are expected to remain selective, favoring sectors with resilient earnings potential amid global uncertainty.

For now, the FBM KLCI’s upward momentum signals cautious optimism, but the risk of volatility remains high as external factors continue to shape market sentiment.

Related: Bursa Malaysia · Mohd Sedek Jantan · KUALA LUMPUR