BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI extended its winning streak to five consecutive sessions on Thursday, closing at its highest level in over three months as sentiment was buoyed by rising optimism over a potential resolution to the US-Iran conflict.
However, trading activity eased slightly to 3.79 billion shares from 3.99 billion shares recorded in the prior session.
Market breadth was positive with 660 gainers edging out 583 decliners, suggesting a degree of cautious participation amid the broader risk-on tone.
Looking ahead, sentiment on the FBM KLCI could turn cautious as technical indicators signal that the index is entering overbought territory following its five-session rally.
On the macro-economic data front, key releases to watch include:
- Malaysia’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) which will offer a read on the health of the domestic manufacturing and mining sectors; and
- The US unemployment rate which outcome could meaningfully influence global risk appetite and the trajectory of US Federal Reserve monetary policy expectations.
Technically, the key index has gapped up and formed a shooting star candlestick, suggesting a potential pullback.
Given that the 1,760 points was unable to hold as the key index fell from its intraday high, the immediate support is established at 1,744 points, followed by 1,732 points. Meanwhile, the resistances are at 1,770-1,780 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Tracking Wall Street’s negative performance, we anticipate the FBM KLCI may end the week softer following its recent winning streak.
Meanwhile, investors might consider positioning for CBH Engineering Holding Bhd which appears poised for a breakout supported by the nation’s data centre boom.
We also continue to favour Eco World Development Group Bhd which holds substantial landbanks within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and has pivoted into high-growth industrial and data centre segments by capitalising on recent land sales to global tech giants like Microsoft and Princeton Digital Group.
Lastly, interior fit-out services provider Inspace Creation Bhd (M+ target price: 36 sen) will make its ACE Market debut today (May 8).
The FBM KLCI rose marginally with technical indicators still showing positive signals at this current juncture as the MACD histogram is trading at its positive territory while the RSI is also nearing 70.
Resistance is seen around 1,773-1,778 with support at 1,738-1,743. – May 8, 2026
