KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): The FBM KLCI is seen starting November on a positive note today, in line with the overnight surge at most global markets, with support at 1,700 points.

The local index had lost some 83 points month-on-month during a bruising October, and may extend its gains today on the back of the relief rally at world markets.

Robust corporate results helped world stock markets surge on Wednesday, bringing some relief to jittery investors after a brutal October sank equities with one of their worst drops since the financial crisis 10 years ago, according to Reuters.

Strong earnings reports in the United States and Europe spurred a broad rally, despite data showing that China's factory growth slowed to its lowest in two years. Investors rushed into the U.S. dollar, sending it to a 16-month high while the offshore Chinese yuan languished at a 22-month low, it said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 240.85 points, or 0.97 percent, to 25,115.49, the S&P 500 gained 29.04 points, or 1.08 percent, to 2,711.67 and the Nasdaq Composite added 144.25 points, or 2.01 percent, to 7,305.90, said Reuters.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, stocks in focus today may include: UMW Holdings Bhd, Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd, TMC Life Sciences Bhd, Tatt Giap Group Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Perusahaan Sadur Timah Malaysia (Perstima) Bhd, Taliworks Corp Bhd, Vertice Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Excel Force MSC Bhd, Eita Resources Bhd and Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd.