KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign funds pulled US$3.84 billion from Asian equities for a third straight week, with outflows concentrated in Taiwan, Indonesia, and South Korea, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank’s report for the week ended April 18.
India and the Philippines were the only gainers.
India led with US$990.4 million in inflows, buoyed by easing inflation, resilient rural demand, and steady GDP expectations.
The Philippines posted a modest US$6.5 million inflow, ending three weeks of selling.
Indonesia saw US$1.26 billion in outflows amid palm oil export concerns following new US tariffs. South Korea lost US$1 billion, prompting a US$8.6 billion stimulus to support autos and chipmakers. Vietnam recorded its 11th consecutive week of selling, while Thailand warned US tariffs could shave up to one point off GDP.
On Bursa Malaysia, net foreign selling slowed to RM330.5 million from RM1.97 billion the previous week.
Friday saw a rare net inflow of RM39.9 million after five days of outflows.
Telecommunications, consumer goods, and property drew net foreign buying, while financials, tech, and construction saw continued exits.
Local institutions remained net buyers for a 26th week (RM356.2 million), while retailers turned sellers (RM25.7 million).
Trading volumes dropped sharply across all investor categories. – BERNAMA
