FBM KLCI ends week higher as ringgit hits four-year high

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI wrapped up the week higher, supported by positive regional sentiment and a rally in the ringgit to a four-year high.

The benchmark FBM KLCI finished 12.42 points, or 0.76%, higher at 1,637.81, its highest level since Oct 6, 2025, when it reached 1,638.09. For the week, the index gained 1.32%.

All Bursa Malaysia indices ended higher, except for the Construction Index.

Market breadth was firmly positive, with 744 gainers outnumbering 387 decliners, signalling improved sentiment across the broader market.

Turnover was brisk, with 3.09 billion shares traded, valued at RM2.46bil.

On the forex market, the ringgit strengthened to 4.0905 against the US dollar, its highest level in four years, amid dollar weakness. The local unit also rose 0.13% against the Singapore dollar to 3.1692.

On Bursa Malaysia, BLD Plantation surged RM1.16 to RM16.20, PETRONAS Gas added 42 sen to RM17.70, Dutch Lady rose 28 sen to RM30.38, and Tenaga Nasional climbed 28 sen to RM13.02.

Conversely, Nestle slid 90 sen to RM113.30, Batu Kawan fell 10 sen to RM19.26, Ajinomoto declined 10 sen to RM13.68, and Sungei Bagan Rubber eased nine sen to RM5.53.

Around the region, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares ex-Japan rose 1.08%. Among the key regional markets:

Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed up 1.37% to 50,836.55;

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.75% to 25,976.79;

China’s CSI300 Index added 0.63% to 4,580.95;

Taiwan’s Taiex climbed 0.62% to 28,198.02;

South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.38% to 4,167.16 and;

Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 1.45% to 4,586.45 points.