KUALA LUMPUR (April 21): The FBM KLCI rose in early trade this morning, in line with gains at most regional markets, lifted by banking heavyweights CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI rose 2.26 points to 1,743.87.

The early gainers included Harrisons (M) Holdings Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, REV Asia Bhd, Ge-Shen Corp Bhd. SCC Holdings Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd.

Asian stocks rose, lifted by bets on strong U.S. earnings and U.S. tax reform, while the euro retreated from a three-week high as jitters returned over the first round of French presidential elections on Sunday after a shooting in Paris, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.25 percent. It is set to end the week 0.6 percent lower, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets rallied after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the government will soon announce a major tax reform.

It said that earlier, European stocks advanced following favourable corporate earnings.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 2.66 points to 1741.61 points.

“Following the bullish sentiment in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to be positive today and extend its rebound off the support of 1730 points,” it said.