Bursa Malaysia closed marginally higher on Monday, halting a three-day losing streak as regional market gains and strategic buying in heavyweight stocks provided support. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index rose by 1.38 points, or 0.08%, finishing at 1,666.94. The index had peaked at 1,674.74 during the trading session before profit-taking pared earlier advances.
Investors showed interest in refining and renewable energy stocks, with Hengyuan Refining Company climbing RM1 to RM4.34, while Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing saw an increase of 33 sen to RM3.79. In the renewable sector, Samaiden Group added 43 sen to RM2.38, Solarvest Holdings gained 36 sen to RM3.69, and Pekat Group was up by 15 sen to RM2.26.
The broader regional market trends were positive, with key Asian indices closing in the green. Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, and major Chinese stock indexes all recorded gains, aligning with the upbeat sentiment seen in Malaysia.
In the currency market, the ringgit appreciated by 0.13% against the US dollar, trading at 4.0765. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices decreased by 2.04% to US$101.75 a barrel due to eased concerns over potential supply disruptions.