KUALA LUMPUR: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has unveiled a revised brokerage fee structure aimed at making equity trading more affordable for retail investors amid heightened market volatility.

The fully digital broker said the new structure offers the lowest non-promotional brokerage fees for trades below RM10,000 in ringgit and up to US$990 in the United States (US) market when traded in US dollars.

Chief executive officer Kazumasa Mise said the initiative reflects the company's focus on accessibility and affordability.

"We believe every Malaysian should be able to participate in the stock market without worrying about high fees. In today's volatile market, it's crucial that investors can manage their portfolios without being burdened by brokerage costs," he said in a statement today.

Rakuten Trade said the move comes at a time when Malaysian investors are navigating persistent global uncertainties, including tariff tensions between major economies and geopolitical risks.

Its head of equity sales Vincent Lau said the local index is expected to remain stable unless the US-China trade conflict escalates further.

He added initial public offering (IPO) stocks currently trading below their listing prices could offer value opportunities.

"With many recent IPOs now trading below their offer prices, some names may be undervalued and worth revisiting," he said.

The firm said the revised brokerage structure and newly introduced amalgamated trades for US markets are expected to lower entry barriers and attract a broader range of investors, including day-traders and first-timers.