KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): The FBM KLCI ticked up in early trade this morning in line with the gains at most regional markets, lifted by key index-linked blue chips.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI rose 3.12 points to 1,824.72.

The early gainers included Petronas Gas Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Tong Herr Resources Bhd, MISC Bhd and Top Glove Corp Bhd.

Asia stocks edged higher on Friday and were within reach of record highs, although losses on Wall Street slowed the advance, while worries over a possible U.S. government shutdown weighed on the dollar, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.1 percent. The index was poised for a 1 percent gain on the week, during which it rode a surge in global equities and climbed to a record high on Thursday, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview said US markets retreated overnight and came off record highs due to concerns of a government shutdown.

It said European stocks ended higher after being led by technology counters after strong earnings performance.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 7.03 points to 1821.60 points.

“Following the recent pullback, the FBM KLCI is expected to trend lower towards the support of 1800 points,” it said.