KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): The FBM KLCI fell 0.78% at the midday break today and was firmly parked below the 1,600-point level as the fresh row between the US and China over bills on Hong Kong dragged global markets.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI lost 12.54 points to 1,588.60.

Losers beat gainers by 358 to 200, while 530 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.55 billion shares valued at RM939.41 million.

The top decliners included Nestle (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, MBM Resources Bhd and G3 Global Bhd.

The actives included Alam Maritim Resources Bhd, KNM Group Bhd, Seacara Group Bhd, My EG Services Bhd and Ekovest Bhd.

The gainers included BLD Plantation Bhd, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, Ta Ann Holdings Bhd, Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd and Stella Holdings Bhd.

Southeast Asian stock markets opened sharply lower on Thursday as the United States and China sparred over US bills on Hong Kong and concerns emerged that an interim trade deal may not be signed this year, according to Reuters.

The US House of Representatives passed two bills on Wednesday backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which US President Donald Trump is expected to sign into law, it said.

Afffin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI dipped slightly on Wednesday by 4.17 points or 0.26%, closing at 1,601.14.

"The index retraced slightly but [maintained] its level above the 20- and 50-day EMA (exponential moving average) which now acted as support level.

"Technically, the index is in consolidation mode after recent rebound. Global market weakness likely to influence the FBM KLCI Index direction today and in the near term," it said.