BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI marched higher on Monday after trading within a tight range for much of the session, with the gains broadly in line with the mostly positive developments across regional markets.
Similarly, the broader market recorded marginal gains, reflecting cautious optimism amid selective buying interest.
For the day ahead, the FBM KLCI is expected to trade within a neutral-to-modestly positive range, supported by the stabilising regional sentiment and selective buying in key heavyweight counters.
While upsides may be capped by lingering profit-taking and a lack of fresh domestic catalysts, defensive sectors such as banks and utilities could provide relative support.
Nevertheless, the local bourse has managed to hold onto its recent gains, suggesting any potential downside pressure should be well cushioned, at least until the end of the year.
The key index has formed another bullish candlestick to sustain above the recent breakout of 1,658 resistance points. Upside wise, if any, could lift the local bourse towards the next resistances are located at 1,675-1,680 points.
On the flipside, the near-term supports are pegged at the 1,648-1,638 levels.
Malacca Securities Research
We expect the broader market to trade on a firmer footing, tracking Wall Street’s positive performance and anticipated window dressing momentum.
The banking sector has rallied strongly during this period and is likely to sustain this trend until month-end, supported by a stronger ringgit and attractive dividend yields.
Meanwhile, we remain positive on selected technology stocks such as 3REN Bhd and MClean Technologies Bhd following Intel’s recent US$208 mil investment in Malaysia and the surging demand for storage driven by the AI (artificial intelligence) boom.
Also, we favour gold-related stocks as the precious metal continues to trade near its all-time high of US$4,450/oz.
The FBM KLCI index closed in the positive territory. The technical indicators are showing a mixed signal; the MACD histogram is in the positive territory while the RSI is moving in the overbought region.
Resistance is anticipated around 1,686-1,691 while support is located at 1,651-1,656. – Dec 23, 2025
