Malaysia stock market expected to open lower amid Middle East tensions

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) halted a three‑day winning streak, slipping 0.04% to 1,682.83 points and facing the prospect of deeper losses on Wednesday. Analysts cite a soft global outlook for Asian equities, driven by renewed hostilities in the Middle East and a jump in oil prices.

U.S. markets also opened lower, with the Dow down 0.25% and the Nasdaq falling 1.16% as semiconductor stocks retreated sharply. Crude oil rose 2.93% to $70.56 per barrel after attacks on at least three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, boosting energy shares but weighing on other sectors.