BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI wrapped up the holiday-shortened trading week on a flattish note last Friday, inching lower to remain below the 1,600 psychological level amid the absence of fresh leads.
Meanwhile, the broader market shifted into a consolidation mode even as total traded volume expanded to 3.59 billion shares from 2.57 billion shares in the previous session, suggesting that the earlier bargain-hunting interest was tempered by swift profit-taking activities.
Looking ahead, the local bourse may continue to consolidate around the 1,600 psychological level as investors adopt a cautious stance ahead of key external cues.
In particular, the release of the US 2Q 2025 GDP (gross domestic product) data this week will be closely watched for signs of economic momentum and its potential implications on the Federal Reserve’s policy path.
A stronger reading could weigh on regional currencies and spur further foreign fund outflows from Malaysia while a softer print may ease pressure on the ringgit and provide some support to local equities.
For now, the key index may attempt to build a base at around the 1,600 psychological level before resuming its recovery path towards the immediate resistance located at 1,611 points, followed by 1,620 points.
On the flipside, near-term support is pegged at 1,585 points and thereafter a firmer base at 1,580 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Taking a cue from Wall Street’s positive lead, we expect the FBM KLCI’s key index to trade on a firmer footing due to the narrowing US-Malaysia interest rate differential.
Moreover, the overall positive sentiment on the Nasdaq may spill over into local technology stocks in the near term.
With gold prices remaining elevated, we expect the environment to bode well for gold- and pawn-related counters like Poh Kong Holdings Bhd, Well Chip Group Bhd and Evergreen Max Cash Capital Bhd.
On the construction front, we like Binastra Corp Bhd and Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd given their robust order book coverage ratios and diverse business models.
For a smaller-cap stocks, we view Inta Bina Group Bhd’s valuation as still undemanding despite its positive order book and healthy take-up rate in the property development segment.
The FBM KLCI traded lower after an overstretched rally amid profit taking activities. However, technical indicators are showing positive signals as the MACD histogram has expanded above zero while the RSI is above 50.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,613-1,618 while support is located at 1,578-1,583. – Sept 22, 2025
