KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 11): The FBM KLCI got off to a nervy start this morning in line with the slump at most regional markets as sellers led buyers.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI lost 4.48 points to 1,773.29.

The decliners included Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, JHM Consolidation Bhd, SAM Engineerin g & Equipment Bhd, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, ViTrox Corp Bhd, Allianz Malaysia Bhd, Ajinomoto (M) Bhd and Chin Well Holdings Bhd.

Asian stocks slumped on Friday as tensions ramped up between the U.S. and North Korea, sending investors fleeing to less risky assets such as gold, the yen and U.S. government bonds, according to Reuters.

South Korea's KOSPI fell 1.4 percent, taking its losses this week to nearly 3 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets tumbled overnight following rising geopolitical tension between the US and North Korea.

It said that earlier, European stocks declined sharply as North Korea is outlining plans for a missile attack near Guam.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI was flat after shedding 0.17 points to 1777.77 points.

“Following the bearish performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could decline further towards the support of 1750 points,” it said.