BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI closed the week on a firm note last Friday as the key index climbed marginally above the 1,600 psychological level to chalk up a 1.4% week-in-week gain.
The broader market also turned more upbeat as reflected by the positive market breadth with many lower liners ending the week on positive note.
Total traded volumes, however, eased to 2.23 billion shares from 2.48 billion shares as market participants turned to the sidelines ahead of the extended weekend break.
Riding on firmer prospects of further US rate cuts, the local bourse advanced in tandem with regional peers last Friday.
Looking ahead, investors’ focus will be directed towards the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later tonight.
With markets largely pricing in a 25 basis points cut, the move could provide a near-term boost to equities markets and help sustain the recovery momentum.
A dovish policy signal could further reinforce risk appetite, setting the stage for more monetary easing and support an extended upward trajectory in the sessions ahead.
Technically, the FBM KLCI staged a gap-up and charged towards the 1,600 psychological level, shifting the near-term tone to a more positive bias.
For now, the 1,603 points will serve as the immediate hurdle, followed by 1,617 points as the next resistance level. On the flipside, support is located at 1,590 points and subsequently at 1,580 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Despite the negative overnight performance in the US, we anticipate the local bourse to kickstart the week positively ahead of the highly anticipated Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd has launched its KLK TechPark, a 1,500-acre integrated industrial hub in Tanjong Malim, anchored by Chinese EV giant BYD’s 150-acre facility in Phase 1.
The project with an estimated GDV (gross development value) of RM3.5 bil over the next decade will be developed in phases from 2025 to 2035.
We view this positively as it (i) diversifies KLK’s earnings beyond plantations and (ii) positions the group to benefit from Malaysia’s EV and high-tech supply chain ambitions. KLK has a consensus target price of RM21.47, implying an upside potential of 7.6%.
Lastly, traders can look into SKB Shutters Corp Bhd which is pending a breakout trading opportunity.
The FBM KLCI snapped its one-day pullback and rebounded last Friday with technical indicators showing positive signals as the MACD histogram has expanded above zero while the RSI stayed well above 50.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,515-1,620 while support is located at 1,580-1,585. – Sept 17, 2025
