KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): The FBM KLCI remained in the red at mid-morning today, tracking most global markets.

At 9.58am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.11 points to 1,761.76.

The top losers included Ajinomoto (M) Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd, Axiata Group Bhd, Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd, Padini Holdings Bhd, IOI Corp Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd.

The actives included Iris Corporation Bhd, Hubline Bhd, Borneo Oil Bhd, Luster Industries Bhd, Priceworth International Bhd, Land & General Bhd, Key Alliance Group Bhd and Iskandar Waterfront City Bhd.

The gainers included Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, ViTrox Corp Bhd, Magni-Tech Industries Bhd, Genting Malaysia Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd and Hong Leong Bank Bhd.

Asian stocks were mostly lower on Thursday following a subdued lead from Wall Street, while the US dollar pulled up from near two-week lows and sterling languished under the weight of political fears one week before Britain's election, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.2% and looked set for its fifth straight session of losses as investors took profits after stocks hit a two-year high last week and as economic and geopolitical concerns continued to weigh on sentiment, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that in the US, it anticipates the trend will be rangebound over the near term on the back of renewed concerns over US politics as ex-FBI director James Comey will be testifying before Congress next week.

"Meanwhile, enthusiasm on Trump economic policies could also be fading as investors are waiting for further clarity on corporate tax reform.

"On the local front, trading tone may turn mildly positive after potential RHB-AmBank merger deal resurfaced on the news following the request of securities suspension by both parties.

"We think that the FBM KLCI may trend higher for the day with a strong resistance set along the 1,780 level," it said.