KUALA LUMPUR:Bursa Malaysia started the day on slightly firmer grounds this morning after yesterday's sell-offs attracted bargain hunters.
Investors' appetite was boosted by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement of the RM15 billion Malaysian Economic and Rakyat's Protection Assistance Package (PERMAI) yesterday.
At 9.05 am, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 3.66 points to 1,613.18 with gains seen almost across the board.
The index opened 1.54 points higher at 1,611.06 from 1,609.52 at the close yesterday.
On the broader market, gainers outpaced losers 247 to 182, while 287 counters were unchanged, 1,380 untraded and 13 others suspended.
Total volume stood at 436.26 million units worth RM162.14 million.
In a note today, Public Bank Investment Research said the local bourse was also lifted by the fact that the European equity markets had edged higher on Monday, as the strong economic data from China vied with concerns over a double-dip recession in the United Kingdom and the Eurozone.
"Chinese markets had been lifted by news that the world's second-biggest economy grew 6.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 -- a faster rate than before the pandemic, and above expectations," said the research firm.
Meanwhile, Malacca Securities in a note said the prime minister's announcement of the RM15 billion PERMAI package might boost the market, although investors' sentiment may remain cautious ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee meeting.
Among the heavyweights, Maybank rose 10 sen to RM8.18, Public Bank added 12 sen to RM21.10, while PetChem was flat at RM7.28.
Tenaga decreased two sen to RM10.06 and Top Glove receded three sen to RM6.31.
Of the actives, Vsolar was flat at four sen, while ARB, KTG and Kanger rose one sen each to 28.5 sen, 28 sen and 15.5 sen, respectively.
On the index board, the FBM Emas Index gained 25.52 points to 11,654.48, the FBMT 100 Index expanded 23.25 points to 11,379.06, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index was 15.05 points higher at 13,186.85.
The FBM 70 rose 20.4 points to 14,888.46 and the FBM ACE improved 55.52 points to 10,943.89.
Sector-wise, the Financial Services Index rebounded 79.39 points to 14,881.62, the Industrial Products and Services Index was up 0.31 of-a-point to 178.55 and the Plantation Index rose 51.27 points to 7,350.58.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jan 19 2021
The prime minister's announcement of the RM15 billion PERMAI package might boost the market, although investors' sentiment may remain cautious. - Filepix
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.