Bursa Malaysia closed sharply lower on Friday, with the FBM KLCI shedding 15.94 points, or 0.98%, to 1,607.76, even though Malaysia’s third-quarter growth of 5.3% beat market expectations. The statistics department said growth moderated from 6% in the previous quarter, based on advance estimates. Top losers included Nestle, which fell RM1.18 to RM89.32, and Kuala Lumpur Kepong, down RM1.10 to RM20, while KLCC rose 94 sen to RM9.22. Foreign investors and local institutions were net sellers on Thursday, while retail investors were net buyers. Indonesia’s index plunged 11% after MSCI signalled a possible downgrade from emerging-market status.
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