BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI retreated on Wednesday, snapping a four-day winning streak as profit-taking emerged in several index heavyweights with the weakness also in tandem with the mostly negative performance across regional markets.
In contrast, the broader market ended marginally higher, supported by mild bargain-hunting interest following recent underperformance across selected mid and small cap counters.
Looking ahead, the FBM KLCI is expected to trade on a cautious footing over the near term as investors remain selective amid lingering volatility on Wall Street which staged a pullback for the fourth straight session amid the absence of strong domestic catalysts.
While downside may be cushioned by bargain-hunting and institutional support at key levels, upside momentum is likely to be capped by profit-taking and subdued risk appetite, thus keeping the index range-bound with intermittent volatility.
The key index has formed a bearish candlestick but remains above the recent breakout point at 1,638 points.
Should the aforementioned level continue to hold, the key index could advance towards the resistances at 1,650 points, followed by 1,658 points. Meanwhile, the supports remain pegged at the 1,630-1,625 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Overall, the FBM KLCI may follow Wall Street’s subdued overnight performance but we believe on-going window-dressing activities may provide buying support over the near term.
Powerwell Holdings Bhd has experienced a breakout, likely supported by Bangladesh’s move toward renewable energy adoption.
Meanwhile, LAC Med Bhd (M+ fair value: RM1.02) continues to rally as it still trades below UMediC Group Bhd’s trailing and forward PER (price-to-earnings ratio).
The shift toward an asset-ownership model should not only provide clients with capital flexibility but also enhance earnings visibility for LACMED given its recurring nature.
The FBM KLCI index closed in negative territory. However, the technical indicators are showing a buy signal; the MACD histogram is in the positive territory while the RSI is hovering above 50, indicating an upward momentum.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,656-1,661 while support is located at 1,621-1,626. – Dec 18, 2025
