The local stock market closed in a mixed but slightly firmer tone in today’s session, as selective buying in defensive and plantation-linked counters helped lift key gainers, while profit-taking emerged across technology and selected industrial stocks.
Food and consumer staple heavyweight Nestlé Malaysia led the top gainers, rising RM1.60 to RM95.12 amid continued defensive buying interest.
Plantation-linked counters also featured prominently among advancers, with United Plantations climbing RM1.18 to RM31.30, while Kuala Lumpur Kepong added RM0.70 to RM20.20. Meanwhile, Batu Kawan Bhd gained RM0.56 to RM20.16, and energy infrastructure player Petronas Gas edged up RM0.20 to RM17.20.
On the downside, semiconductor-related counter Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd led the losers, falling RM1.46 to RM47.44. Consumer stocks also weakened, with Fraser & Neave Holdings declining RM0.78 to RM26.88. Industrial heavyweight Press Metal Aluminium Holdings slipped RM0.28 to RM9.00 despite heavy trading volume, while technology-related names Pentamaster Corporation and UWC Berhad both eased RM0.26 to RM4.25 and RM5.61, respectively.
Overall, the session reflected a cautious and selective trading environment, with gains concentrated in defensive and plantation-heavyweights, while profit-taking persisted in technology and industrial-linked counters.
