Bursa Malaysia opened higher on Friday, tracking regional optimism after weaker US labour data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could move towards a more accommodative interest rate stance.
At 9.42am, the FBM KLCI rose 11.42 points or 0.69% to 1,673.25, compared with the previous close. The benchmark index traded between 1,662.91 and 1,674.36 in early session movement.
Broader market sentiment was also positive, with key indices across the board trading in the green. The FBM Emas Index gained 0.59%, while the FBM 70 added 0.33%. Small-cap stocks also advanced, with the FBM Small Cap Index rising 0.57%.
Sector performance was similarly upbeat. The construction index climbed 0.62%, while consumer products and services led sector gains, rising 0.88%. Energy stocks also edged higher, up 0.45%.
The risk-on tone followed softer US nonfarm payrolls data that came in well below expectations, strengthening market views that the Fed may slow or reconsider further tightening. The shift in rate expectations has supported emerging market assets, including Malaysian equities, as the US dollar outlook weakens and global liquidity expectations improve.
On the broader market, advancers continued to outnumber decliners, with buying interest spread across defensive and cyclical names.
Among actively traded stocks, Eckem Holdings was unchanged at 12 sen, maintaining steady post-listing interest after its ACE Market debut. Notion VTec stood out among gainers, rising 7 sen or 14.9%, while S Ridge also saw moderate gains.
Blue chips were largely firmer. F&N, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, Dutch Lady and Petronas Dagangan were among the top gainers, supported by defensive buying. On the losing side, Nestle Malaysia and Malaysian Pacific Industries edged lower in early trade.
