FBM KLCI ekes out gain as late buying offsets regional weakness

MALAYSIA, 4 AUGUST 2026 —

The FBM KLCI eked out a modest gain at Monday's close, adding 0.83 points to 1,725.73, as late buying interest lifted the benchmark index despite a broadly weaker market. The market barometer traded between an intraday high of 1,729.72 and a low of 1,719.47, with decliners outpacing advancers, 609 stocks ending lower while 490 closed higher. About 2.73 billion shares, valued at RM2.34 billion, changed hands.

The FBM KLCI has been experiencing fluctuations in recent times, influenced by regional market trends and geopolitical uncertainties. The Malaysian stock market has been sensitive to global economic developments, with investors closely watching regional and international events. The benchmark index has been trading in a range-bound manner, with investors seeking opportunities in selected heavyweight stocks. The market has also been impacted by the performance of the Malaysian economy, with the government implementing various measures to boost growth and stability.

In the current development, late buying in selected heavyweight stocks helped the FBM KLCI finish in positive territory, although cautious sentiment persisted amid weaker regional markets and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Among the gainers, Nestlé rose RM1.60 to RM102.70, United Plantations gained 48 sen to RM34.20, Hong Leong Industries added 28 sen to RM18, while AmBank advanced 27 sen. On the other hand, F&N was the top loser on Bursa Malaysia, sliding 40 sen to RM27.50, Frontken fell 19 sen to RM5.02, PETRONAS Chemicals declined 17 sen to RM4.61, while SAM Engineering lost 17 sen to RM4.38.

The Malaysian market was not immune to the regional weakness, with most Asian markets ending lower. MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index slipped 1.29%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 0.94% to 63,754.90, and South Korea’s Kospi tumbled 5.12% to 6,257.45. China’s CSI300 index fell 0.98% to 4,543.18, and the Shanghai Composite declined 0.59% to 3,809.66. The ringgit also fell 0.23% against the US dollar to 4.0950 and edged down 0.3% versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1936. The decline in oil prices, with Brent crude easing US$3.71, or 4.22%, to US$84.22 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude losing US$4.46, or 5.27%, to US$80.21 per barrel, also had an impact on the market.

The decline in oil prices was attributed to US President Donald Trump's decision to delay a fresh attack on Iran, in pursuit of a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This development had a significant impact on the global oil market, with prices tumbling more than US$4 a barrel. The oil and gas sector is a significant contributor to the Malaysian economy, and any fluctuations in oil prices can have a ripple effect on the market. Companies such as PETRONAS Chemicals, which declined 17 sen to RM4.61, may be impacted by the decline in oil prices.

Looking ahead, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain volatile, influenced by regional market trends and geopolitical uncertainties. Investors will be closely watching the performance of the Malaysian economy, as well as global economic developments, to make informed investment decisions. The market may also be impacted by the upcoming earnings season, with companies such as Nestlé, United Plantations, and AmBank expected to report their financial results. With the current market sentiment, investors are advised to exercise caution and to keep a close eye on market developments, as the FBM KLCI is expected to remain range-bound in the short term. Details not yet available on the specific impact of the oil price decline on the Malaysian market, but it is expected to be a key factor in the market's performance in the coming days.

Related: Nestlé · Bursa Malaysia · Donald Trump · Malaysia