KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia experienced a decline, affected by banking and healthcare stocks.
At 12:30 PM, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell by 0.18 per cent, decreasing by 2.98 points to 1,667.39, compared to Tuesday's closing figure of 1,670.37.
The overall market was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers at 660 to 388, while 435 counters remained unchanged.
Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd noted that it anticipates a rebound in overall demand for commodities.
"Upside potential is likely within commodities-related sectors such as Oil & Gas, Plantation, and Building Materials."Additionally, strong buying support on Wall Street may spill over to local stocks, especially small-cap companies."We also see opportunities in the Construction, Property, Consumer, and Manufacturing sectors amid the strong ringgit environment," it said.
In the commodities market, Brent oil prices bounced back above US$75, and crude palm oil prices surged past RM4,000, propelled by China's stimulus measures.
Additionally, gold prices increased, surpassing the US$2,650 mark.