LOCAL equities finished Friday in negative territory as investors took caution over the geopolitical tensions at home and abroad, particularly the continued worries over the US-China trade tensions and the attack on two oil tankers in the Middle East that was seen as a cause for the increase in oil prices.

THE MAIN INDEX firmed up on Thursday, recovering from the previous session’s slump as investors went bargain hunting.

SHARES may move sideways for the rest of the week as investors take profits amid a lack of leads.

LOCAL EQUITIES slipped on Tuesday as investors decided to take profits at the last minute ahead of a trading break for Independence Day.

SHARES firmed up on Monday following the positive performance of international markets last week.

THE MAIN INDEX may continue moving higher in the coming week as investors count on increased spending to boost economic growth.

SHARES continued to move higher on Friday albeit on thin trading, as investors waited for new catalysts that could boost the stock market.

THE MAIN INDEX firmed up on Thursday as investors reacted to May inflation data and a potential rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

LOCAL SHARES may slump in the remainder of the week on the lack of positive leads.

LOCAL STOCKS failed to sustain their climb on Tuesday, reflecting the performance of the Nasdaq index which fell as US technology shares tumbled on antitrust concerns.

THE MAIN INDEX soared past the 8,000 mark on Monday, outperforming international markets as it was supported by heavy foreign buying.

LOCAL SHARES may firm up in the week ahead as investors turn upbeat on the back of easing domestic concerns and the release of May inflation data.