Investment managers contacted by StarBiz attributed the heavily anticipated poll results to the rather subdued performance on the local bourse yesterday, which saw the benchmark FBM KLCI receding by a marginal 0.16 points – or 0.01% – with 3.53 billion shares traded.
“The primary catalyst for the market over the near term would be clearer policy that spurs domestic consumption and the return of tourists,” he noted. As such, he said investor attention will naturally lean towards the unveiling of any policy pronouncements on infrastructure spending under the upcoming Budget 2024. “Of particular interest, all eyes will be on any follow-through from the government’s targeted subsidy reforms or other fiscal revenue-enhancing measures, such as the reintroduction of the goods and services tax.
Chief executive for fund management firm Areca Capital, Danny Wong, meanwhile, said the advent of a more stable political situation in Malaysia could be one of the catalysts for better sentiment and the return of foreign flows, which itself is evidenced by a report yesterday from MIDF Research. Tradeview Capital’s Nixon Wong is also positive on the consumer staples sector, especially as domestic consumption is seen to continue driving the economy, coupled with the sector’s improving top line due to its capacity to pass on rising costs through higher selling prices.