KUALA LUMPUR (June 28): Bursa Malaysia remained on a low note at midday on Tuesday (June 28) due to profit-taking on most index-linked counters, led by technology and healthcare counters, analysts said.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was 0.18% or 2.52 points weaker at 1,435.60 from Monday's close at 1,438.12.

The benchmark index opened 0.86 of a point steadier at 1,438.98 and moved between 1,431.35 and 1,439.61 throughout the morning trading session.

Market breadth was negative with losers leading gainers 490 to 262, while 343 counters were unchanged, 1,247 untraded and 79 others suspended.

Turnover stood at 1.16 billion units worth RM611.3 million.

Meanwhile, in a note, Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd said it is cautiously optimistic about the market outlook as foreign selling continued to decline.

The five-day net selling stood at RM76.9 million last week versus RM365.6 million in the preceding week.

“However, market direction remains unclear after Wall Street retreated mildly overnight.

“We think the energy sector is likely to gain traction, supported by strengthening crude oil prices, driven by potential new sanctions against Russian oil exports,” it said.

Meanwhile, Bursa heavyweights Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd was down by 16 sen to RM18.36, while Top Glove Corp Bhd and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd fell two sen each to RM1.02 and RM9.18 respectively.

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank), Public Bank Bhd and IHH Healthcare Bhd also dropped one sen each to RM8.57, RM4.43 and RM6.47 respectively.

Of the actives, Sapura Energy Bhd added one sen to 5.5 sen, Green Packet Bhd gave up half a sen to six sen, Yong Tai Bhd added half a sen to nine sen and Reach Energy Bhd declined two sen to six sen.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Shariah Index fell 40.39 points to 10,415.15, FBM 70 decreased 65.91 points to 12,458.64, the FBM Emas Index eased 28.27 points to 10,258.05, FBM ACE was 68.10 points lower at 4,763.55 and the FBMT 100 Index contracted 25.95 points to 9,995.08.

Sector-wise, the Financial Services Index decreased 35.03 points to 15,980.10, and the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 0.38 of a point to 182.50, while the Plantation Index increased 11.34 points to 6,934.20.