KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The FBM KLCI is expected trade in a tight band around the 1,725-1,735 range today as global equity market sentiment remains tepid and local investors stay bearish.

Stocks around the world were set for their longest losing streak in eight months on Wednesday as weaker oil prices weighed and the dollar came back from session lows after U.S. data boosted expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, according to Reuters.

The dollar clawed back earlier losses against a basket of major currencies after U.S. data showed a rise in retail sales data last month and an uptick in underlying inflation which cemented expectations for further interest rate hikes, it said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 119.4 points, or 0.51 percent, to 23,290.07, the S&P 500 lost 10.31 points, or 0.40 percent, to 2,568.56 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 18.81 points, or 0.28 percent, to 6,719.07, said Reuters.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, stocks in focus today may include: Pharmaniaga Holdings Bhd, Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Bhd, Hock Seng Lee Bhd, R&A Telecommunication Group Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, Nakamichi Corp Bhd, Xidelang Holdings Ltd, Lion Diversified Holdings Bhd, Hup Seng Industries Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Privasia Technology Bhd, Omesti Bhd, Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd, Amcorp Properties Bhd and TH Heavy Engineering Bhd.