KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): The FBM KLCI fell 0.25% at the midday break today, in line with regional markets that struggled for traction as sentiment turned cautious on the US-China trade deal.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI fell 4.23 points to 1,709.22.

Losers led gainers by 455 to 164, while 474 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.24 billion shares valued at RM901.14 million.

The decliners included Tong Herr Resources Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, AirAsia Group Bhd, S P Setia Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd. Pos Malaysia Bhd and AMMB Holdings Bhd.

The actives included AirAsia Group Bhd, KNM Group Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, Iris Corp Bhd, Seacera Group Bhd, TH Heavy Engineering Bhd and Bumi Armada Bhd.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Padini Holdings Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Thong Guan Industries Bhd, MBM Resources Bhd, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd and Genting Bhd.

Asian stocks struggled for traction on Thursday after cautious comments from US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer deflated some optimism that China and the United States were closing in on a trade deal, according to Reuters.

The US dollar held onto its gains from Wednesday, supported by higher bond yields, it said.

Affin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI Index lost 5.5 points or 0.32% yesterday to close at 1,713.45.

It said prices are behaving as anticipated, making a temporary pullback. The index is now at the short-term support level and buyers may potentially come into the picture around current levels.

"Prices have also retraced almost 50% from the previous upswing which is a normal characteristic of a retracement.

"Anticipate the market to open softer today in line with global sentiments. Nonetheless, we opine that the retracement in the index may potentially complete soon," it said.