KUALA LUMPUR – Bursa Malaysia’s main index opened marginally higher today but turned lower thereafter, ahead of the release of China’s first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) later today, said analysts.
At 9.05am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell by 1.59 points to 1,433.31 from yesterday’s close of 1,434.90.
The barometer index opened 0.57 of a point higher at 1,435.47.
Market breadth was negative with decliners surpassing gainers 147 versus 105, while 219 counters were unchanged, 1,809 untraded and 12 others suspended.
Turnover stood at 239.90 million units worth RM80.52 million.
Meanwhile, the ringgit continued to slide against the US dollar in the early session today as the local currency remained in an overbought position, said an analyst.
At 9.18am, the local note was pegged at 4.4350/4380 versus the greenback from yesterday’s closing rate of 4.4200/4250. – Bernama, April 18, 2023
