KUALA LUMPUR (June 14): The FBM KLCI rose 0.43% at mid-morning today, in line with the gains at most regional markets, lifted by Genting-related stocks and select blue chips.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI rose 7.63 points to 1,792.07.

The top gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Genting Bhd, Southern Acids (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd, V.S. Industry Bhd, Genting Malaysia Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.

The actives included Priceworth International Bhd, Dagang NeXchange Bhd, Compugates Holdings Bhd, Vivocom Intl Holdings Bhd, JAG Bhd, SKH Consortium Bhd and Iris Corp Bhd.

The top losers included Keck Seng (M) Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, LPI Capital Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd and Power Root Bhd.

Asian shares crept higher on Wednesday after Wall Street notched another all-time high, while the US dollar and bonds awaited clarity on the Federal Reserve's future path for US policy after a likely rate rise later in the day, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.2%, while Japan's Nikkei put on 0.5%, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said it believes that the near-term momentum would still be positive as the Dow is marking fresh territory with sustained buying support among the heavyweights.

"The Dow's trading range will be located between 21,200 and 21,500.

"On the local front, we opine that bargain-hunting activities may emerge on the back of better sentiments abroad.

"The FBM KLCI may see upward potential to 1,790–1,800. Also, semiconductor sector is likely to trade higher on a relief rebound," it said.