Lower trading activity to weigh on Bursa Malaysia's 1Q earnings

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd is expected to report lower earnings for the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) due to a decline in securities trading activity, according to CIMB Securities.
The stock exchange regulator is scheduled to release its 1Q25 results on April 28.
Net profit for the quarter is projected to come in between RM55 million and RM62 million, down 17.2 per cent to 26.9 per cent from a year ago, and 9.8 per cent to 20.4 per cent lower compared to the previous quarter.
The earnings weakness is largely attributed to a 14.2 per cent drop in securities average daily value to RM2.7 billion, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid global trade tensions.
CIMB Securities said the decline in revenue, estimated at RM166 million to RM175 million, would push the cost-to-income ratio higher to 53 per cent to 56 per cent from 46.5 per cent in 1Q24.
No dividend is expected for the quarter, as payouts are typically made semi-annually.
Despite a 20.8 per cent year-on-year rise in average daily contracts in the derivatives segment, the growth was not enough to offset lower trading volumes in the securities market.
The research house maintained its "Hold" rating on Bursa Malaysia with an unchanged target price of RM8.15, citing limited near-term catalysts.
CIMB also warned of potential downside risks to its full-year earnings forecast of RM291.2 million should the current trading volumes persist.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Malaysian Reserve

an hour ago

• Malaysian Reserve

Bursa Malaysia to remain cautious, CI to trade within 1,500-1,530 range next week

BURSA Malaysia is expected to remain cautious next week, tracking Wall Street's performance as markets digest signals from the United States (US) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), said an analyst. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd's head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan noted that the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) projections, characterised by slower growth, elevated inflation, and a higher unemployment trajectory for 2025–2027—suggest a stagflationary undertone, which could weigh on risk sentiment. 'Growth-sensitive sectors may face headwinds as the policy outlook remains uncertain. The split in the FOMC's dot plot, with members divided between no interest rates cuts and two cuts by year-end, implies limited near-term easing and reduces the likelihood of a July cut,' he told Bernama. Mohd Sedek also pointed out that the benchmark index is hovering near the psychological threshold of 1,500 points, adding that a breach of this level could trigger opportunistic buying by institutional investors, especially as the index nears its immediate support at 1,490 points. 'While the FOMC's guidance has introduced caution, markets may find support at lower levels, where valuations become more compelling. Geopolitical-driven volatility is often short-lived, and we expect a moderation in risk sentiment as these concerns subside,' he said. Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng market focus next week will shift to several key economic indicators, including the US quarterly gross domestic product and jobless claims. 'The FBM KLCI is currently priced at about 12 times the calendar year 2025 price-to-earnings ratio, notably below its long-term average of over 16 times, indicating potential for further appreciation. 'The subdued valuation may attract bargain hunters. For the week ahead, we expect the index to trade within the 1,500–1,530 points range,' Thong added. For the week just ended, Bursa Malaysia was mostly subdued as investors stayed on the sidelines due to ongoing concerns over the Middle East conflict and the anticipated implementation of reciprocal tariffs by US President Donald Trump. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the barometer index dropped 15.37 points to 1,502.74 from 1,518.11 a week earlier. The FBM Emas Index fell 141.109 points to 11,228.99, the FBMT 100 Index was down 128.59 points to 11,015.45, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index declined 128.19 points to 11,201.34. The FBM 70 Index decreased 250.96 points to 16,117.75 and the FBM ACE Index shrank 86.34 points to 4,400.85. Across sectors, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased by 4.08 points to 147.27 and the Energy Index was 5.05 points lower at 735.71. The Plantation Index slid 0.40 of-a-point to 7,220.52, the Healthcare Index dipped 85.83 points to 1,691.89, and the Financial Services Index tumbled 179.87 points to 17,468.38. Turnover dropped to 13.72 billion units worth RM10.84 billion from 13.89 billion units valued at RM10.61 billion in the preceding week. The Main Market volume fell to 6.29 billion units valued at RM9.63 billion against 6.42 billion units worth RM9.47 billion previously. Warrants turnover expanded to 6.16 billion units worth RM845.61 million versus 5.97 billion units valued at RM687.92 million a week ago. The ACE Market volume slipped to 1.25 billion units valued at RM361.21 million compared with 1.50 billion units worth RM458.75 million in the preceding week. — BERNAMA

The Sun

14 hours ago

• The Sun

Sector diversity, regulatory strength fuel Bursa Malaysia IPO pipeline: Baker Tilly

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's capital market is experiencing a notable upswing in 2025 as Bursa Malaysia is forecasting a significant increase in new public listings, with expectations set at 60 initial public offerings and a targeted total market capitalisation of RM40.2 billion. According to Baker Tilly Asia Pacific's latest publication Pathways to the APAC Capital Markets, Malaysia's momentum builds on a robust 2024, during which 55 companies chose to list and collectively raised RM7.4 billion, marking the highest number of listings in Asean by volume. The sectors represented in Malaysia's listing pipeline is diverse, the report said, adding that companies from consumer goods, healthcare, logistics and technology are showing strong interest in going public. These industries are being buoyed by a combination of government incentives and heightened investor appetite, both of which are contributing to a dynamic and attractive investment environment, the report noted. 'Malaysia has always punched above its weight when it comes to capital markets,' said Andrew Heng, who is the group managing partner of Baker Tilly Malaysia. 'As confidence returns to the region post-pandemic and amid geopolitical realignments, we expect more companies to explore IPOs and cross-border listings – and Malaysia will be on their radar,' he said in a statement. One of Malaysia's key advantages is the relative ease of access it offers to both local and foreign companies seeking to list, the report said. The structured framework of the Main Market and the ACE Market provides clear pathways for companies at various stages of growth, making Malaysia a practical choice for businesses looking to tap into public capital. Regulatory stability enhances Malaysia's appeal as a listing destination. The report also noted that Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia continue to demonstrate strong oversight while remaining open to innovation. Notable steps include progressive moves toward enhanced ESG reporting and the development of alternative fundraising frameworks, ensuring that the market remains both secure and forward-looking. These factors collectively position Malaysia's capital market as a serious contender for companies and investors seeking opportunity and stability in the region, according to the report,

The Sun

15 hours ago

• The Sun

Sector diversity, regulatory strength fuel Bursa Malaysia IPO pipeline

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's capital market is experiencing a notable upswing in 2025 as Bursa Malaysia is forecasting a significant increase in new public listings, with expectations set at 60 initial public offerings and a targeted total market capitalisation of RM40.2 billion. According to Baker Tilly Asia Pacific's latest publication Pathways to the APAC Capital Markets, Malaysia's momentum builds on a robust 2024, during which 55 companies chose to list and collectively raised RM7.4 billion, marking the highest number of listings in Asean by volume. The sectors represented in Malaysia's listing pipeline is diverse, the report said, adding that companies from consumer goods, healthcare, logistics and technology are showing strong interest in going public. These industries are being buoyed by a combination of government incentives and heightened investor appetite, both of which are contributing to a dynamic and attractive investment environment, the report noted. 'Malaysia has always punched above its weight when it comes to capital markets,' said Andrew Heng, who is the group managing partner of Baker Tilly Malaysia. 'As confidence returns to the region post-pandemic and amid geopolitical realignments, we expect more companies to explore IPOs and cross-border listings – and Malaysia will be on their radar,' he said in a statement. One of Malaysia's key advantages is the relative ease of access it offers to both local and foreign companies seeking to list, the report said. The structured framework of the Main Market and the ACE Market provides clear pathways for companies at various stages of growth, making Malaysia a practical choice for businesses looking to tap into public capital. Regulatory stability enhances Malaysia's appeal as a listing destination. The report also noted that Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia continue to demonstrate strong oversight while remaining open to innovation. Notable steps include progressive moves toward enhanced ESG reporting and the development of alternative fundraising frameworks, ensuring that the market remains both secure and forward-looking. These factors collectively position Malaysia's capital market as a serious contender for companies and investors seeking opportunity and stability in the region, according to the report,