### Bursa Malaysia Reaches Near 15-Month High Amid Positive Year-End Sentiment Bursa Malaysia has experienced a significant surge, reaching a near 15-month high as investor sentiment improves ahead of year-end portfolio adjustments. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed at 1,665.90, marking a notable increase from previous trading sessions and surpassing the previous high of 1,660.09 recorded on September 27, 2024. This upward trend is attributed to increased buying interest in large-cap financial stocks, a stable local currency, and positive performance from regional markets, particularly following the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike [https://asianewstoday.com/bursa-malaysia-hits-near-15-month-high-on-better-year-end-sentiment][https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/19/bursa-malaysia039s-key-index-rises-115-on-firmer-regional-markets]. ### Key Factors Driving Bursa Malaysia's Performance 1. **Improved Investor Sentiment**: - The market's positive trajectory is largely driven by enhanced domestic sentiment as year-end portfolio flows approach, encouraging buying activities in key sectors, particularly financials [https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/19/bursa-malaysia-extends-upward-momentum-at-midday]. 2. **Regional Market Influence**: - Bursa Malaysia's performance has been bolstered by firmer regional markets, which have seen similar upward trends, particularly influenced by external economic factors such as interest rate changes in Japan [https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/19/bursa-malaysia039s-key-index-rises-115-on-firmer-regional-markets]. 3. **Sector-Specific Gains**: - Large-cap financial stocks have seen a resurgence, supported by stable local interest rates and a stronger ringgit, which has positively impacted investor confidence [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2025/12/19/bursa-ends-week-at-nearly-15-month-high-on-improved-year-end-sentiment]. ### Supporting Data and Market Metrics - **FBM KLCI Performance**: - Closed at **1,665.90**, up **19.0 points** or **1.15%** from the previous day [https://asianewstoday.com/bursa-malaysia-hits-near-15-month-high-on-better-year-end-sentiment]. - **Market Indices**: - Other indices also showed positive movement: - FBM70: **+97.54 points** (0.58%) to **16,813.19** - FBMEMAS: **+115.59 points** (0.95%) to **12,233.08** [https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/12/19/bursa-malaysia-hits-15-month-high-as-fbm-klci-surges-past-1665]. ### Conclusion: A Positive Outlook for Bursa Malaysia In summary, **Bursa Malaysia's recent performance reflects a robust recovery driven by improved investor sentiment, regional market support, and sector-specific gains**. The key findings are as follows: 1. **Surge in FBM KLCI**: The index has reached a near 15-month high, indicating strong market confidence. 2. **Sector Resilience**: Financial stocks are leading the charge, supported by favorable economic conditions. 3. **Positive Regional Influence**: The performance of regional markets has contributed to the upward momentum. As the year draws to a close, the outlook for Bursa Malaysia remains optimistic, with potential for further gains as year-end portfolio adjustments take place [https://asianewstoday.com/bursa-malaysia-hits-near-15-month-high-on-better-year-end-sentiment][https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/19/bursa-malaysia-extends-upward-momentum-at-midday].