Major global equity benchmarks were up 3% to 5%, while the FBM KLCI rose 19.45 points, or 1.16%, yesterday to 1,696.3 points, slightly below its pre-war close of 1,716 in February. The outlook for the local market may also be shifting among global investors. The resilience of the local market is reflected in the sideways movement of the FBM KLCI, which has traded within a range of 1,664 to 1,737 points since the war began in late February. CGS International (CGSI) Research said the outlook for Malaysian equities remains positive, maintaining its end-2026 FBM KLCI target of 1,810 points. The research house added that local corporate earnings are also showing strong potential, with its 2026 FBM KLCI earnings-per-share growth estimate revised upward to 21.5%, largely driven by upgrades in the petrochemical sector, particularly Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd .

Source: The Star April 09, 2026 02:55 UTC