KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 7): The Malaysian stock market's main benchmark could rise above 1,800 points by end-2026, supported by stronger corporate earnings growth amid resilient domestic demand and improving policy certainty, said CGS International Securities Malaysia chief executive officer Khairi Shahrin Arief Baki. Khairi added that a stronger ringgit would help reduce operating and capital expenditure costs for some sectors, such as utilities and telecommunications. CGS International expects KLCI corporate earnings to expand by 8.5% this year, compared with an estimated 3.5% growth in 2025, he told The Edge at the sidelines of the research firm’s annual Malaysia Corporate Day event. Khairi noted that recent policy reforms, including subsidy rationalisation, have improved Malaysia’s fiscal position and provided greater policy certainty, which in turn supports business and consumer confidence. He added that easing trade tensions and greater policy certainty have increased the willingness of both businesses and consumers to invest and spend, which should be supportive of corporate earnings and broader market conditions.

Source: The Edge Markets January 07, 2026 12:48 UTC