Daily Market Report
- Wall Street ended higher as an unexpected decline in U.S. employment in July strengthened market expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged for the time being.
- The Dow gained 0.28%, while the S&P 500 surged 0.62%, and the NASDAQ jumped 1.30%. In HK, the HSI ended higher as upbeat Chinese export figures exceeded market expectations, boosting investor confidence in China's economic outlook and triggering late-session buying.
- Back home, the FBM KLCI ended a tad lower as market participation shifted from heavyweight stocks to the broader small-cap segment.
- While external uncertainties remain, supported by geopolitical developments and firm oil prices, bargain hunting should help limit downside pressure.
- We expect the benchmark index to trend within the 1,730–1,740 range today while maintaining a positive bias.