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 pullback, erasing its weekly gains to close 0.04% week-on-week lower, mainly weighed down by weakness in selected banking heavyweights.
Trading volume edged up marginally to 3.1 billion shares while market breadth turned positive, suggesting mild bargain hunting among lower liners.
Going forward, we reckon the FBM KLCI may maintain a downward bias cautious tone over the near term amid lingering external uncertainties and uneven regional market sentiment.
Investors will be monitoring the start of the US corporate earnings season for further clues on corporate profitability which measures the resilience of the world’s largest. economy.
Broader market sentiment is also expected to remain cautious with lower-liner stocks likely to face intermittent profit-taking amid persistent external uncertainties.
Meanwhile, the renewed selling pressure on Nasdaq last Friday could send the Bursa Malaysia Technology sector lower today.
Market sentiment is expected to remain guarded with the benchmark likely to be influenced by regional market performance as well as on-going developments in the Middle East.
The immediate resistances are located at 1,630-1,640 points. Meanwhile, the immediate support is pegged at the 1,600 psychological, followed by 1,580 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Locally, investors may remain selective with interest potentially extending towards engineering services, semiconductor recovery and water-efficiency themes.
Pioneer Heat Holdings Bhd offers revenue visibility from its reported RM50.43 mil unbilled order book as it pursues larger engineering projects and expansion in Sarawak.
CPE Technology Bhd could attract attention following a recovery in 4Q FY2026 earnings, supported by stronger semiconductor demand and higher production volumes although full-year profit remained lower year-on-year (yoy).
Meanwhile, ISF Group Bhd is worth watching for potential partnerships with state water authorities to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) which could open up recurring income opportunities.
The FBM KLCI could attempt a technical rebound amid improving momentum indicators.
Backed by the MACD histogram turning positive and an RSI lingering near the oversold territory above 30, overhead resistance sits at 1,622-1,637 with support established at 1,577-1,592. – Oct 19, 2026
