Southeast Asian equity markets closed on a mixed note on Wednesday, with modest advances in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur unable to mask heavier declines in Jakarta and Bangkok.
Singapore's Straits Times Index edged up 0.09% to finish at 5,701.02, as measured buying across blue-chip counters kept the benchmark in positive territory, albeit narrowly. Across the causeway, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI inched higher by 0.33% to close at 1,692.32, outperforming several of its regional peers and notching one of the session's stronger performances in the bloc.
Indonesia proved to be the day's notable laggard. The IDX Composite fell 1.28% to 6,457.90, a decline that weighed heavily on the broader regional picture and suggested renewed caution among investors in Jakarta. Concerns over domestic economic conditions and external pressures appeared to dampen sentiment throughout the session.
Thailand's SET Index also fell, shedding 0.73% to end at 1,603.22, as selling pressure extended across multiple sectors. The pullback adds to a period of choppy trading for Bangkok-listed equities.
The Philippines rounded out the regional picture, with the PSEi Index edging up a marginal 0.03% to 6,063.52 — a ...