KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 19): The FBM KLCI pared some of its losses at mid-morning against the backdrop of firmer regional markets, but the local index was poised to take a breather today.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI was down 3.56 points to 1,595.55. The index had earlier fallen to a low of 1,585.76.

Losers led gainers by 233 to 217, while 301 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 498.29 million shares valued at RM282.44 million.

The top losers included Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd, YNH Property Bhd and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd.

The actives included Priceworth International Bhd, Yong Tai Bhd, Ekovest Bhd, Tiger Synergy Bhd, IFCA MSC Bhd, Inari, Datasonic Group Bhd and Destini Bhd.

The gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, LPI Capital Bhd, Malaysia Pacific Industries Bhd, Allianz Malaysia Bhd and Chin Teck Plantations Bhd.

Reuters reported that Asian shares edged higher on Thursday amid growing confidence in the global outlook following improving economic indicators and a preliminary trade deal between the United States and China.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.08%. Australian shares were up 0.07%, while Japan's Nikkei stock index slid 0.12%, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said although Wall Street is likely to move in an upward intact trend following the positive developments on the trade front following the phase one trade deal, mild profit-taking activities may emerge as market participants are waiting for the trade deal to be signed off in January.

"The Dow's trading range is located around 28,000-28,500.

"With the FBM KLCI rising more than 1% yesterday amid year-end window dressing activities as well as portfolio rebalancing activities, we believe the key index may take a mild breather as it has traded near the resistance along 1,600 level.

"At this juncture, traders may focus on construction stocks on the back of improving sentiment following the revival of Bandar Malaysia project, while technology stocks should be favourable after both the US and China agreed on the phase one trade deal," it said.