KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 5): The main index at Bursa Malaysia reversed its earlier gains and drifted lower at mid-morning as index-linked plantation stocks weighed.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI shed 0.96 points to 1,499.34. The index had earlier ticked to a high of 1,503.91.

Gainers led losers by 464 to 286, while 368 counters traded unchanged. Trading volume was 1.52 billion shares valued at RM1.14 billion.

The decliners included PMB Technology Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd and Petronas Dagangan Bhd.

The actively traded stocks included Caely Holdings Bhd, MNC Wireless Bhd, XOX Bhd, Careplus Group Bhd, AT Systemization Bhd and HLT Global Bhd.

The gainers included G3 Global Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Supermax Corp Bhd, Scientex Bhd, UWC Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd and Pentamaster Corp Bhd.

Reuters said U.S. stock futures rose on Monday on hopes that President Donald Trump could be discharged from hospital later in the day, easing some of the political uncertainty that shook Wall Street in the previous session.

Trump, 74, was flown to hospital for treatment for the coronavirus on Friday, but his doctors say he has responded well and could return to the White House on Monday, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US markets tumbled on Friday after President Trump and his wife tested positive for Covid-19 as technology counters led the decline.

It said that earlier, European stocks ended lower after Trump tested positive for the coronavirus.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 3.53 points to 1500.30 points.

“Following the lacklustre performance in Wall Street, the FBM KLCI could remain pressured with support at 1475 points,” it said.