Malaysia's KLCI Index Gains on Banking and Plantation Stocks

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) rose 0.63% to 1,683.26, snapping a four‑day losing streak and extending Thursday's modest gains. Gains were led by heavyweight banking and plantation stocks, while telecoms and technology shares lagged. Notable movers included IOI Corp (+3.21%), Kuala Lumpur Kepong (+3.59%) and Maybank (+1.73%), whereas Axiata fell 1.52% and Celcomdigi dropped 2.09%.

Regional optimism was bolstered by easing oil prices and a cease‑fire announcement in the Middle East, which also lifted global markets. Wall Street closed higher, with the Dow Jones rising 1.73% to a record 51,561.93, while the Nasdaq slipped marginally. Crude oil prices fell about 3% on expectations of de‑escalation, supporting the positive sentiment in Asian equities.