FBM KLCI FUTURES TO TRADE SIDEWAYS NEXT WEEK

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) --The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives is expected to trade within a narrow range during the upcoming holiday-shortened trading week, mirroring the cash market’s performance.

UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the market focus next week will be on the United States’ plan to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign-made cars, effective April 2, 2025.

He noted that the expiry of President Donald Trump’s TikTok ban moratorium on April 5, 2025, may be used as leverage in ongoing tariff talks with China.

“If the tariffs come in as expected, investor sentiment should hold steady, helped by Malaysia’s modest trade surplus and minimal exposure,” he told Bernama.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, March 2025 surged 22.0 points to 1,522.0, April 2025 added 9.5 points to 1,512.0, June 2025 edged up 1.0 point to 1,506.0, and September 2025 garnered 1.5 points to 1,493.5.

Turnover rose to 207,315 lots this week from 38,704 lots in the previous week, while open interest widened to 59,411 contracts from 54,340 contracts previously.

The FBM KLCI closed at 1,513.65 on Friday, up 8.20 points from 1,505.45 a week earlier.

Bursa Malaysia and its subsidiaries will be closed on Monday and Tuesday (March 31 and April 1) in conjunction with the Aidilfitri public holidays, subject to the official announcement by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.

-- BERNAMA