Malaysia’s KLCI slipped to 1,703 by Tuesday afternoon, marking a one-month low and a second day of losses as trading slowed ahead of a midweek break. Caution also lingered after March’s leading index fell for a third straight month, while April inflation accelerated to an 18-month high of 1.7%. Still, firmer U.S. stock futures helped cap declines, supported by reports of “self-defense” strikes by U.S. forces in southern Iran. Sector weakness led by healthcare, retail trade, consumer non-durables, and utilities. Heavyweights Malayan Banking (-0.5%), Tenaga Nasional (-1.2%), Axiata Group (-2.5%), and Hartalega Holdings (-4.7%) were among key laggards. Bursa Malaysia will close on Wednesday for a public holiday.