Malaysia Market Edges Higher, Ending Three‑Day Decline Near 1,585

The Malaysian stock market halted a three‑day slide on Tuesday, reclaiming more than 20 points (1.3%) and settling just below the 1,585‑point mark. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) closed at 1,584.84, up 2.08 points (0.13%). Market participants expect the index to remain in a similar range on Wednesday.

Asian markets are forecast to trade flat to higher as investor sentiment remains muted without strong catalysts. European and U.S. equities finished modestly higher, setting a slightly positive tone for the region.

On the day, gains in the financial and plantation sectors were offset by weakness in industrials, resulting in a slight net advance for the KLCI.

Activity among individual stocks was mixed. Notable gainers included 99 Speed Mart Retail (+1.45%), Maxis (+2.92%), CIMB Group (+1.20%), Public Bank (+0.67%), and Sunway (+0.65%). Notable decliners were Axiata (–1.43%), Celcomdigi (–2.86%), Petronas Chemicals (–2.74%), PPB Group (–2.10%), and YTL Power (–1.48%). Several names such as Sime Darby and SD Guthrie finished unchanged.

U.S. markets closed little changed, with the Dow up 10.26 points (0.02%), the NASDAQ gaining 14.49 points (0.07%), and the S&P 500 hitting a record high of 6,139.58, up 14.95 points (0.24%). The modest activity followed the Presidents’ Day holiday, which kept many traders on the sidelines.

Economic data showed a turnaround in regional manufacturing activity in February according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, while homebuilder confidence unexpectedly fell in the same month, per the National Association of Home Builders. Oil prices rose on supply concerns after a drone attack struck a Russian export pipeline, with West Texas Intermediate crude gaining $1.11 to $71.85 per barrel (1.57%).

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