SO far, 2022 has been a bad year for most stock pickers. At a time when the world is still learning to live with Covid-19 and adapt to the new norms, many countries have seen the highest inflation rates in decades as a result of supply shortages and strong consumer demand. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February not only created Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II, but also caused food shortages around the globe. Ukraine is often described as being the “breadbasket of Europe” as it is among the world’s top agricultural producers and exporters.
Malaysia’s Budget 2022 brings a ray of hope for Bursa-listed companies that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as viable candidates may receive financial support from the government in the form of equity injection. Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said in his 2022 Budget speech last Friday that a government-owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up to support companies through equity injection or other related instruments.
KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): Last year s stock market rally was unexpected against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ample liquidity as a result of low interest rates globally was the main fuel to the sharp rebound.
In Malaysia, loan moratorium granted by Bank Negara Malaysia added additional fuel. More interestingly, the long absent retail investors returned to dominate the local market.
Retail investors are given a six-month loan moratorium again, however research analysts and fund managers doubt that it would help stage another rally like last year. The reason is that more people are likely to face even tighter cash flow compared with a year ago, no thanks to coronavirus.
KUALA LUMPUR (March 2): The FBM KLCI closed higher by 0.17% or 2.73 points as investors engaged in stock-picking amid sector rotational play, while the positive sentiment generated from Wall Street’s overnight surge has also spilt over to the local market.
At 5pm, the benchmark index closed at 1,569.87 points. Today, the index had only been trading in the positive territory throughout the trading session, ranging between 1,568.67 and 1,583.43.
Among the 30 FBM KLCI constituents, 18 stocks were higher, nine were lower while three traded flat. Gains were led by IHH Healthcare Bhd, which jumped 21 sen or 3.97% to RM5.50, followed by Dialog Group Bhd and MISC Bhd.