BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI managed to recover most of its intraday losses and subsequently closed mildly lower on Monday, boosted by bouts of quick bargain hunting across selected index heavyweights in the second half of the trading session.
Trading activity simmered with only 2.38 billion shares exchanging hands, down from 2.87 billion shares in the previous session as investors remain guarded by the weak market undertone.
Market breadth stayed negative with 619 decliners overpowering 402 advancers, reflecting the persistence of a broader risk-off sentiment.
Going forward, the FBM KLCI appears to be attempting to find a firmer footing after recent swings as investors weigh mixed domestic cues and global market developments.
While bargain hunting in selected index heavyweights could provide intermittent support, overall trading momentum may remain cautious given the lingering risk-off sentiment.
Near-term movements are likely to be dictated by fresh developments in the Middle East.
Also, the holiday shortened trading week could keep trading activities muted, resulting in a subdued trading environment.
Technically, the FBM KLCI has recouped most of its intraday losses to form a hammer candlestick after taking a jab towards the 1,700 psychological level.
For now, a breakthrough above the 1,700 psychological level could pave way towards the immediate resistance located at 1,711 points, followed by 1,720 points. Meanwhile, key support levels are pegged at 1,685 points, followed by 1,670 points.
Malacca Securities Research
We expect a recovery in local market sentiment following the Wall Street overnight rebound.
Regarding stock picks, we favour TMK Chemical Bhd as its products are widely utilised across various industrial sectors and serve as foundational building blocks for the E&E (electrical & electronic) and semiconductor industries.
Given its exposure to Singapore, Micron Technology’s capacity ramp-up should place TMK in a prime position to capitalise on the cyclical upswing.
Meanwhile, we expect crude prices to stabilise above US$90/barrel as little progress has been made in de-escalating regional conflicts which may benefit Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd and Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd in the near term.
The FBM KLCI closed on a weaker footing. Moreover, technical indicators suggest weaker momentum at the current juncture as the MACD histogram remains in the negative region while the RSI is below 50.
Resistance is seen around 1,713-1,718 with support at 1,678-1,683. – March 17, 2026
