KLCI Futures Likely To Trade Range-bound Next Week On Improved Global Sentiment

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are expected to trade range-bound next week with a slight upside bias, supported by improving global sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the local benchmark index is likely to trade within the 1,680–1,710 range, with the 1,680 level providing near-term support. 

“Its upside could be driven by continued bargain hunting and any positive developments in peace negotiations, although gains may be gradual given lingering uncertainties," he told Bernama.

For the week just ended, the futures contracts saw range-bound trading throughout the week in tandem with the cash market. 

Thong said that this week, the FBM KLCI hovered around the 1,690 level, with buying interest seen on dips, particularly in selected heavyweights and the defensive sectors. 

However, overall participation remains measured, with foreign flows turning more mixed following earlier accumulation, he added.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the April 2026 contract rose 3.0 points to 1,688.50, May 2026 edged up 2.5  points to 1,689.0, June 2026 gained 1.5 points to 1,688.5 and September 2026 increased 4.0 points to 1,669.5

Weekly turnover rose to 36,256 lots from 32,544 lots last week, while open interest inched down to 38,257 contracts from 38,759 contracts a week earlier.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the FBM KLCI rose 3.90 points to 1,695.21 from 1,691.31 a week earlier.

-- BERNAMA