October 24, 2025
Stock Market
Malaysia’s stock market traded higher at midday on Friday, lifted by renewed buying in blue-chip counters and stronger regional sentiment. The FBM KLCI moved in positive territory throughout the morning, supported by gains in Petronas Chemicals, MISC, and Press Metal. Broader market participation also improved, signaling a cautiously optimistic tone ahead of regional policy discussions.
Market Overview
At 12:30 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was up 3.53 points to 1,611.53, from 1,608.00 at Thursday’s close. The benchmark traded within a narrow range of 1,607.03 to 1,612.77 during the morning session.
Market breadth remained positive, with 511 gainers, 374 decliners, and 490 unchanged, on a total turnover of 1.82 billion shares valued at RM 1.08 billion.
Blue-chip counters such as Petronas Chemicals Group (PCHEM), MISC, Tenaga Nasional, and several financial heavyweights helped push the index higher, in line with a broader rebound across Asian markets following Wall Street’s overnight strength.
External and Regional Cues
Asian equities traded broadly higher as risk appetite improved. The ringgit strengthened slightly against the US dollar, while investors awaited fresh inflation data from the US and updates from the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Regional optimism, coupled with steady commodity prices, provided short-term support to cyclical sectors, particularly energy and materials.
Stocks to Watch
Stock | Code | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd | PCHEM (5183.KL) | One of today’s top contributors to the KLCI’s rise. The counter saw steady buying interest amid stronger crude and chemical prices, and may continue to benefit from improving sentiment in the energy complex. |
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd | PMETAL (8869.KL) | Gained momentum in tandem with global metal stocks as aluminium demand indicators improved. As Malaysia’s largest aluminium producer, Press Metal is seen as a key beneficiary of regional manufacturing recovery and higher industrial metal prices. |
Note: The above selections are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice.
Market Drivers
Regional Strength: Broader Asian markets advanced on Wall Street’s overnight rebound, lifting local risk appetite.
Blue-Chip Momentum: Renewed buying in large-cap energy, utilities, and financial stocks supported the index.
Event Watch: The upcoming ASEAN Summit and key US inflation data remain near-term catalysts influencing fund flows and investor positioning.
Cautious Optimism: While sentiment improved, traders stayed selective, focusing on fundamentally strong counters with clear catalysts.
Overall, Malaysia’s market maintained an upward bias through midday, driven by selective accumulation in blue-chip names.
Analysts expect short-term consolidation but note that stable regional flows and commodity resilience could continue to underpin Bursa Malaysia into next week.