BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI traded in a range-bound manner before edging slightly higher on Thursday, supported by mild bargain-hunting activities across several key index heavyweights.
Overall market participation remained stable with total trading volume at 3.45 billion shares compared to 3.41 billion shares in the previous session.
Meanwhile, the broader market stayed subdued as there was still tentativeness with 589 total decliners outnumbering 470 advancers.
After briefly re-testing the 1,600 psychological level yesterday, market sentiment is likely to remain cautious in the near term as investors await the release of the US inflation print later tonight.
The upcoming reading could offer further cues on the US Federal Reserve’s policy direction.
Meanwhile, the confirmation of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next Thursday in South Korea is expected to provide some alleviation to market sentiment with regard to trade development negotiations.
Technically, the FBM KLCI formed a bullish candle to remain supported within the short-term consolidation band.
Should further recovery take place, the key index may likely challenge the 1,611 points resistance, followed by the next resistance at 1,620 points. Near-term supports remain pegged at the 1,600 psychological level and thereafter that 1,580 points.
Malacca Securities Research
In view of a positive overnight performance on Wall Street, we expect the FBM KLCI index to follow suit and trade on a firmer note.
Moreover, we believe this will support buying interest within the technology sector with a key focus on selected upward trending companies such as Kelington Group Bhd, Vitrox Corp Bhd and Frontken Corp Bhd.
Traders may also focus on consumer stocks such as Life Water Bhd, driven by (i) contributions from its recent acquisition of Twinine; and (ii) a conservative ~RM1 mil monthly revenue from 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd product placement.
We deem the stock to be trading at appealing valuation levels with margins notably standing well above its peers with its stock price playing catch-up with Spritzer Bhd.
The FBM KLCI index has rebounded from the previous day but the technical indicators are flattish with a weakening bias; the MACD histogram is hovering in the negative territory while the RSI is hovering below 50.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,623-1,628 while support is located at 1,588-1,593. – Oct 24, 2025
