Bursa Malaysia concluded the week on a downbeat note, with cautious trading prevailing due to the absence of buying catalysts. Investors were awaiting a keynote address from US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, scheduled for tonight, according to analysts.
At the close, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell by 5.92 points, or 0.36%, settling at 1,635.74, down from Thursday's close of 1,641.66.
The benchmark index opened 1.67 points higher at 1,643.33 and fluctuated between 1,633.31 and 1,644.44 during the trading session.
On the broader market, decliners outnumbered advancers by 888 to 255. There were 427 stocks unchanged, 938 not traded, and eight suspended.
Trading volume decreased to 3.53 billion units valued at RM2.80 billion, compared to 3.72 billion units worth RM3.08 billion on Thursday.