KUALA LUMPUR, April, 2026 — FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI closed higher on Thursday, driven by selective buying in banking and telecommunications heavyweights as investor sentiment improved following developments surrounding a ceasefire in West Asia.
At the close, the benchmark index rose 11.31 points, or 0.66%, to 1,721.70, compared with 1,710.39 in the previous session. The index opened higher at 1,715.55 and fluctuated between 1,714.41 and 1,723.51 throughout the trading day.
Market performance was largely supported by strong buying interest in key blue-chip counters, particularly in the financial and telecommunications sectors.
Among notable performers:
- Public Bank and Tenaga Nasional each gained eight sen
- CIMB Group rose four sen
- Telekom Malaysia climbed nine sen
- Axiata Group added three sen
- IHH Healthcare increased four sen
These gains helped lift the broader market, with investors focusing on fundamentally strong and resilient sectors.
Overall market sentiment remained constructive, with gainers outnumbering losers:
- 706 stocks advanced
- 485 declined
- 562 counters unchanged
- Over 1,000 counters remained untraded
Trading activity also improved, with total turnover rising to 3.48 billion units valued at RM3.10 billion, compared to RM2.69 billion in the previous session.
The positive performance was largely attributed to improved sentiment following the extension of a ceasefire in West Asia, which eased some geopolitical concerns.
Analysts noted that:
- Investors returned to the market through bargain hunting on dips
- Confidence improved in stable, defensive sectors
- However, external uncertainties remain a key risk factor
According to market analysts, investors are expected to maintain a cautious approach, focusing on strong fundamental stocks while avoiding higher-risk positions.
Despite Bursa Malaysia’s g
This reflects continued global uncertainty, eve
Key sector indices showed overall strength:
- Financial Services Index surged significantly
- Industrial Products & Services Index edged higher
- Energy Index recorded moderate gains
- Plantation Index declined, reflecting sector-specific pressures
Meanwhile, mid-cap and broader indices also posted gains, indicating widespread buying interest beyond blue chips.
Among top gainers:
- Malaysian Pacific Industries surged significantly
- Petronas Chemicals advanced strongly
- Dutch Lady Milk posted notable gains
On the downside:
- Nestlé Malaysia declined
- United Plantations dropped
- Fraser & Neave slipped
Market analysts believe Bursa Malaysia may continue to see moderate upward momentum, supported by:
- Stabilizing geopolitical conditions
- Continued interest in blue-chip stocks
- Strong domestic market fundamentals
However, risks remain tied to:
- Global geopolitical tensions
- Oil price volatility
- External economic uncertainties
Bursa Malaysia’s stronger close reflects improving investor sentiment driven by easing geopolitical concerns and solid performance in key sectors such as banking and telecommunications.
While optimism has returned to the market, investors remain cautious, closely monitoring global developments that could influence future market direction.
