Malaysia's share market remained positive midday as investors strengthened their portfolios ahead of the presentation of Budget 2025 on Friday.
Trading sentiment followed a record-breaking overnight performance by the Dow Jones as unusual results from banks helped boost the outlook for corporate earnings.
At the midday break, the FBM KLCI rose 4.93 points to 1,637.56 while the broader market was also positive with 528 gainers compared to 314 losses.
Almost all sectors of the broader market were positive, led by financial services, real estate and plantations. The sectors that are lagging behind are consumers and telecommunications companies.
In the initial session, 1.53 billion shares changed hands with a value of RM1.03 billion.
Meanwhile, Asian markets were mostly higher despite gains pared from earlier in the day as China's housing policy announcement disappointed investors.
Among luxury stocks, Maybank rose eight sen to RM10.68, Kuala Lumpur Kepong rose six sen to RM21.10 and PETRONAS Chemicals rose six sen to RM5.67.
Tenaga Nasional rose 12 sen to RM14.58, Sime Darby rose five sen to RM2.43 and QL Resources rose four sen to RM4.74.
As for active stocks, Aizo rose 0.5 sen to 15 sen, SMTrack was unchanged at two sen and SP Setia rose 10 sen to RM1.41
