This could sustain the rise in the stock market barring any shocks,” a high-net-worth investor told StarBiz. “The local market is up due to a positive momentum across the regional markets in Asia, where Malaysia tends to benefit from the spillover, especially after the lacklustre return in 2025. There is also a macro tailwind to the improved sentiment about the local market. Maybank Investment Bank Research meanwhile has updated its stance on earnings of local banks for 2026 and 2027. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issue is also being challenged in the court but analysts believe the risk to the local market remains – but is contained.

Source: The Star January 14, 2026 03:11 UTC