The US interest rate hike (raising the federal funds rate) will have a certain impact on global financial markets, including the Malaysian stock market. Here are some of the main ways in which the US interest rate hike is affecting the Malaysian stock market:
1. Capital flows and foreign exchange markets
• Capital outflow: When the US raises interest rates, the yield on US assets (such as treasury bonds) rises and becomes more attractive. This may cause international investors to withdraw their capital from emerging markets, such as Malaysia, and invest in the US market instead. This capital outflow may cause the Malaysian stock market to increase selling pressure, leading to a decline in the stock market.
• Currency depreciation: Capital outflows may put depreciation pressure on the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Currency depreciation will increase import costs and affect corporate profits, thereby further negatively affecting the stock market.
2. Financing costs
• Higher corporate financing costs: US interest rate hikes generally lead to higher global interest rates, particularly in emerging markets. This may increase interest rates on loans to Malaysian companies, particularly those that rely on US dollar loans, leading to a decline in profitability, which will adversely affect the stock market.
3. Prospects for global economic growth
• Economic growth is slowing: US interest rate hikes are usually aimed at controlling inflation, which may slow the growth of the US economy. However, the US economy is one of the engines of the global economy. If the US economic growth slows down, it may affect global demand, including demand for Malaysian exports, which in turn affects the income and profits of Malaysian companies.
4. Investor sentiment
• Fluctuating market sentiment: US interest rate hikes usually cause fluctuations in global markets, and investors' preferences for risky assets (such as stocks) may decrease. As part of an emerging market, the Malaysian stock market may experience short-term fluctuations or adjustments due to changes in investor sentiment.
5. Commodity Prices
• Commodity impact: If the US interest rate hike causes the dollar to strengthen, it may depress commodity prices (such as oil and palm oil) denominated in US dollars, while Malaysia, as a commodity exporter, may be negatively affected, which in turn affects stock market performance.
Summary:
The US interest rate hike had a direct or indirect impact on the Malaysian stock market through channels such as capital flows, financing costs, global economic growth expectations, investor sentiment and commodity prices. Normally, US interest rate hikes will put some pressure on the stock markets of emerging markets such as Malaysia. Investors should pay attention to relevant market trends and risk management strategies.