KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): The FBM KLCI fell 0.31% at mid-morning today, dragged by losses led by Tenaga Nasional Bhd, against the backdrop of firmer regional markets.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.86 points to 1,563.58.

Gainers led losers by 278 to 249, while 301 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 682.46 million shares valued at RM247.98 million.

The decliners included Tenaga, Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd, NPC Resources Bhd, MISC Bhd, IGB Bhd, Favelle Favco Bhd and Magnum Bhd.

The actives included Tiger Synergy Bhd, Rimbunan Sawit Bhd, TDM Bhd, PUC Bhd, Matang Bhd, Mudajaya Group Bhd and Sanichi Technology Bhd.

The gainers included Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Allianz Malaysia Bhd, ATA IMS Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Revenue Group Bhd, Scientex Bhd, SCGM Bhd and IJM Plantations Bhd.

Reuters said Asian stocks edged up on Monday, catching some of Wall Street's momentum after surprisingly strong US jobs data although regional gains were capped by concerns about China's economy due to the prolonged Sino-US trade war.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei advanced 0.3% while MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.3%, with Australian stocks and South Korea's Kospi up 0.2% and 0.6%, respectively, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said despite the ongoing uncertainty on the trade environment (without any trade resolution), coupled with the scheduled 15% tariff on about US$160 billion worth of goods from China, the stronger-than-expected US jobs data will be able to support the equities at least for the near term.

"However, should any disappointments arise from the phase one trade deal, we expect profit-taking activities could emerge. The Dow's trading range will be set around 27,400-28,400.

"Following the improved sentiment on the global trade front as well as the positive performances on regional markets, we expect the buying interest to follow through on Bursa, supporting the FBM KLCI at least above the 1,550 level over the near term.

"Traders could focus in technology and plantation stocks — the rally on the latter may sustain given the decent rally in FCPO (crude palm oil futures) prices. Also, O&G stocks should be traded actively following the production cuts from OPEC members from 1.7 million barrels a day to 1.2 million barrels a day," it said.