KUALA LUMPUR (May 5): The FBM KLCI opened lower this morning, in line with the weaker sentiment at most regional markets.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI dipped 0.27 points to 1,758.40.

The top losers included Perak Corporation Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Genting Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, MMC Corporation Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, Lii Hen Industries Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketin Bhd and Magni-Tech Industries Bhd.

Asian stocks are set for a third straight day of losses on Friday as a retreat in crude oil and other commodities prices knocked global sentiment, although receding concerns about France's presidential election kept the euro near six-month highs,according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan opened flat on Friday. Japan and South Korea markets are closed for trading, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets were flat as declines in energy counters capped gains in overall market.

It said that earlier, European stocks surged with Germany's DAX hitting a record high after positive earnings announcements.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI plunged 13.84 points to 1758.67 points.

“After yesterday's slump, the FBM KLCI could consolidate and hover around 1,750 points as the index finds a firm footing,” it said.