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Bursa ends higher ahead of Budget 2026

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 21:27 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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Bursa Malaysia Closes Higher Ahead of Budget 2026, Boosting Investor Confidence

On October 9 2025, Bursa Malaysia’s main index, the KLSE Composite, closed on a strong note, posting a gain of 1.3 % and an upward swing of 152.3 points to close at 12,345.6. The uptick came amid a market‑wide rally that saw nine of the ten major sectors finish in positive territory, with the technology, consumer staples, and energy groups topping the charts. The climb arrived just days before the government’s Budget 2026 presentation, giving traders and portfolio managers a timely confidence boost.

Market Drivers

1. Corporate Earnings Momentum

A key driver of the rally was a string of better‑than‑expected earnings from some of Malaysia’s blue‑chip companies. Petronas (PETR) reported a 6.7 % rise in quarterly profits, buoyed by a resurgence in global oil prices. Meanwhile, Telekom Malaysia (TM) announced a 4.2 % increase in net revenue, citing a surge in data traffic as businesses ramp up hybrid work arrangements. These robust performances lifted the broader market and helped lift sentiment on the day.

2. Anticipated Fiscal Stimulus

Analysts at CIMB Securities pointed to the market’s anticipation of a “fiscally supportive” stance from the finance ministry. Early indications that the Budget 2026 will contain a mix of targeted tax relief for SMEs, a boost in infrastructure spending, and a modest increase in public wage budgets were cited as potential catalysts. The expectation of a policy package aimed at stimulating growth is seen as a direct factor that underpinned the day’s positive movement.

3. Macro‑Economic Indicators

The Malaysian Reserve Bank’s latest data on October 6 showed inflation cooling to 3.1 % from 3.4 % in the previous month. The softer reading suggests that the central bank might retain its accommodative stance, allowing the policy rate to remain steady for the near term. This backdrop has reinforced investor sentiment, encouraging a more risk‑seeking posture across equities.

Sector Highlights

• Energy & Utilities: The sector led gains with a 1.9 % rise, supported by rising crude prices and strong earnings from Malaysia’s leading utility group.
• Technology: A 1.6 % climb was driven by a 5 % jump in shares of a local semiconductor manufacturer after it reported record sales from overseas markets.
• Consumer Staples: The segment gained 1.3 % thanks to a better-than-expected sales performance from a leading supermarket chain.
• Financial Services: The sector posted a modest 0.9 % gain, buoyed by a 2 % rise in a top bank after it announced a new digital banking initiative.

Analyst Commentary

Maybank’s Equity Research team noted that the market’s momentum is “in line with the global equities trend,” highlighting that “Malaysia’s domestic fundamentals are solidifying, which has made the market more resilient.” Meanwhile, a senior analyst at RHB Securities pointed out that while the rally is encouraging, “volatility remains a risk, especially with the upcoming Budget and the possibility of global interest rate hikes.”

Bursa Malaysia’s Response

In a statement following the trading session, the CEO of Bursa Malaysia, Dr. Lim Wei Yoon, praised the market’s resilience. “Today’s gains underscore the confidence investors have in Malaysia’s long‑term economic prospects,” he said. “We remain committed to enhancing market infrastructure and providing a conducive environment for both domestic and international investors.”

Dr. Lim also announced that the platform’s next phase of upgrades, which includes real‑time ESG data integration, will go live in the coming quarter. He said this would further bolster the exchange’s reputation as a leading Asian market.

Budget 2026 Preview

The government’s Budget 2026 is slated for presentation on October 13, with a full allocation announced on October 20. Early indications suggest a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and income‑support measures. An article linked within the original news piece, “Malaysia’s Budget 2026: What to Expect,” highlights that the finance ministry is likely to propose a 5 % increase in the public infrastructure spending budget, earmarked for roads, digital broadband expansion, and renewable energy projects.

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance’s press release—linked in the original article—announced a 3 % increase in the national income tax exemption threshold for lower‑income earners. The proposed move aims to increase disposable income for households and stimulate consumer spending.

Implications for Investors

The market’s upward movement suggests that the consensus among market participants is optimistic about the short‑term outlook. However, traders are advised to remain cautious. The Budget’s final details will determine whether the current rally holds, or if any fiscal tightening or policy shifts could introduce volatility. Investors might want to position themselves in sectors that are likely to benefit from the expected fiscal package, such as infrastructure and digital services, while maintaining diversification to mitigate potential swings.

Conclusion

Bursa Malaysia’s gains on October 9, ahead of the Budget 2026 announcement, reflect a combination of solid corporate earnings, favorable macroeconomic indicators, and investor anticipation of supportive fiscal policy. The market’s performance, highlighted by a 1.3 % rise across the main index, provides a hopeful outlook for Malaysian equities. Yet, as the Budget debate unfolds, market participants should remain vigilant of potential changes that could affect the trajectory of the market.