BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
Gains across more than half of the FBM KLCI constituents lifted the benchmark higher on Monday with the index holding in the positive territory throughout the session.
The broader market ended mixed even as trading volumes improved to 3.77 billion shares from 3.64 billion shares previously.
Trading activities turned more selective as reflected by the negative market breadth of 482 advancers against 604 decliners.
Looking ahead, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain directionless as investors continue to navigate a landscape shaped by global macro-economic uncertainties.
On-going concerns over the US Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory, uneven economic data from of major economies with Japan reporting a contraction of 0.4% year-on-year (yoy) in its 3Q 2025 GDP due to impact of US tariffs and stretched valuations in AI names which resulted in another sell-off session on Wall Street overnight are likely to influence the risk-off sentiment.
While selective accumulation of index heavyweights may still offer periodic support to the FBM KLCI, upside potential is expected to remain limited in the absence of clearer macro catalysts.
Technically, the FBM KLCI has formed an inverted hammer candlestick after reversing most of its intraday gains.
With the key index attempting to mount some stability, the 1,622 points will serve as the immediate support, followed by 1,615 points. Meanwhile, the immediate resistance remains pegged at 1,638 points with the ensuing resistance at 1,650 points.
Malacca Securities Research
Tracking Wall Street’s negative overnight performance, we expect the FBM KLCI to turn softer today.
Meanwhile, following SD Guthrie Bhd’s strong 3Q FY2025 results and the rise in the Bursa Plantation Index, we think traders can look into Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd (SOP) which is pending a flag formation breakout.
Trading at a low valuation (PE = 7.2x, PB = 0.8x), SOP offers a dividend of more than 4% and is in a net cash position with RM660.8 mil in cash and bank balances.
Lastly, we are also optimistic toward 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd following its record 3Q FY2025 results and its continuously benefiting from the SARA cash hand-outs and a stronger ringgit.
The FBM KLCI index closed in positive territory with technical indicators showing a positive signal; the MACD histogram is in the positive territory while the RSI is above 50.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,642-1,647 while support is located at 1,602-1,607. – Nov 18, 2025
