Bursa Malaysia expected to trade cautiously in narrow range as investors watch US, China data

Analysts predict the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI will move within a tight band of roughly 1,680 to 1,710 points this week. Market participants will focus on key economic releases – U.S. CPI, U.S. retail sales, China’s Q2 GDP and Malaysia’s own CPI – which are expected to signal global demand and inflation trends without prompting major shifts in monetary policy. The Federal Reserve is projected to keep rates steady, while Bank Negara Malaysia is likely to maintain its Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%.

"Geopolitik Asia Barat akan terus menjadi pemacu utama sentimen pelabur," said Mohd Sedek Jantan, Investment Strategy Director at IPFA. He added that any escalation in West‑Asian tensions could tighten global oil supplies and revive inflation concerns, though recent moderation in oil prices supports overall market stability. Investors are expected to stay selective, favouring high‑weight blue‑chip stocks in banking, plantation and energy, while technology shares remain more volatile, according to Professor Abu Sofian Yaacob of i‑CATS University College.