KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed mixed as the benchmark index was supported by buying interest in plantation stocks after crude palm oil (CPO) futures surpassed RM4,900 per tonne.
However, selling pressure was evident in banking stocks, limiting the overall index gains.
At 5pm, FTSE Bursa Malaysia (FBM) KLCI was up 0.13 per cent or 2.1 points to 1,603.98.
The benchmark index moved within 1,589.27 and 1,607.04 range throughout the day.
The broader market was negative with decliners surpassing gainers 543 to 430 while 512 counters were unchanged.
On the index board, FBM100 gained 0.22 per cent to 11,839.79 and FBM Emas rose 0.21 per cent to 12,128.34. FBM Ace dropped 0.19 per cent to 4,996.35.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng expects ongoing demand for plantation stocks next week, spurred by rising CPO prices.
"This trend could not only lift the FBM KLCI but also improve plantation earnings, drawing additional investor interest and supporting market resilience against global economic challenges.
"The recent pullback in the FBM KLCI offers an appealing entry point for both short-term and long-term investors," he said.
He added that while short-term volatility may persist, the current levels present a valuable buying opportunity for those looking to capitalise on market dips and position themselves for potential upside in the index.
The benchmark index is likely to trend within the range of 1,600-1,630 for next week representing key support and resistance levels.