KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 18): The FBM KLCI was down 0.22% at midday break, as regional markets stumbled on the back of China’s weaker economic growth.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI dipped 3.53 points to 1,570.97.

Losers led gainers by 276 to 251, while 504 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.58 billion shares, valued at RM872.79 million.

The decliners included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Amway Holdings (M) Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Kim Hin Industry Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd.

The actives included Green Packet Bhd, KNM Group Bhd, My EG Services Bhd, MTAG Group Bhd, Bumi Armada Bhd, MNC Wireless Bhd and Sapura Energy Bhd.

The gainers included Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, Guan Chong Bhd, Can-One Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, UWC Bhd, Spritzer Bhd and Malayan Cement Bhd.

Asian stocks stumbled on Friday after China posted its weakest growth in nearly three decades, countering a global lift in sentiment on the UK and European Union, striking a long-awaited Brexit deal, according to Reuters .

China's economy grew 6.0% in the third quarter, less than expected, and the weakest pace in at least 27-1/2 years, as the Sino-U.S. trade war hit demand at home and abroad, it said.

Affin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI Index closed little changed in yesterday’s session, dropping 0.4 points or 0.03% only, closing at 1574.5.

“The index is still currently taking a breather. The index is hovering at the 20 day EMA, as well as trading just below the 1580 level (resistance zones).

“Market interests currently focus on selective small- and mid-cap stocks with growth potential. Large caps are anticipated to correct further, gradually.

“Downward bias remains intact,” it said.