Malaysian stocks decline for the third consecutive session

In the Malaysian stock market, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBMKLCI) experienced a decline of 0.3% to 1,445.82. This marks the third consecutive session of decline.

Biggest decliners and leaders

One of the largest decliners was Axiata Group, a telecommunication services firm, which dropped 2.1%. Following closely behind was Sime Darby, a business/consumer services company, with a decline of 1.7%. Fraser & Neave Holdings also saw a decrease of 1.4%.

On the other hand, Press Metal Aluminium, a basic materials/resources company, emerged as the biggest leader with an increase of 0.8%. Genting, a leisure/arts/hospitality firm, gained 0.7% and secured the second position. YTL, operating in the same space, rounded out the top three leaders on Wednesday with shares increasing 0.7%.

Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific markets

In other parts of Southeast Asia, Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index increased by 0.2%, while Thailand's SET Index rose 0.4%. The Philippines' PSEi Index closed flat, and Indonesia's JSX Composite Index declined by 0.2%.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong stocks experienced an increase of 0.8% with the Hang Seng Index reaching 16,463.26. Japanese companies also saw gains as the NIKKEI 225 Index gained 2.0%. However, China's Shanghai Composite Index declined by 0.1%.

South Korea's KOSPI Composite Index remained flat, while Australian stocks added 1.7% with the S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index.

Currency update

The U.S. dollar climbed by 0.1% against the Malaysian ringgit, reaching 4.67 ringgit. The euro, on the other hand, stayed steady at 5.04 ringgit.