KUALA LUMPUR (July 19): The FBM KLCI closed lower today as investors took profit ahead of the Hari Raya Haji holiday, in line with the weak regional performance.

The index ended 2.51 points or 0.16% lower at 1,519.97, after moving between 1,518.73 and 1,533.80.

Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd senior analyst Kenneth Leong said investors pared their holdings in the KLCI's heavyweight stocks ahead of the holiday.

He added, however, that recovery play also made a comeback after the Enhanced Movement Control Order was lifted in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PetDag) closed down 1.58% or 30 sen to become the top percentage decliner among the index-linked stocks, followed by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (down 1.31% or 80 sen to RM6.02) and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd (HLFG) (down 1.23% or 22 sen to RM17.66).

On the broader market, gainers led losers by 510 to 456, while 471 counters were unchanged. Turnover stood at 4.82 billion shares worth RM3.41 billion.

Newly listed CTOS Digital Bhd emerged as the top active traded stock with 366.36 million shares traded on its maiden trading day. Shares in the credit report agency closed up 47.27% or 52 sen to RM1.62 compared to its initial public offering price of RM1.10.

Other active counters included Saudee Group Bhd, Kanger International Bhd, Ramssol Group Bhd, Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd, Dagang NeXchange Bhd, MMAG Holdings Bhd, Privasia Technology Bhd and Opcom Holdings Bhd.

Brewers Heineken Malaysia Bhd (up 42 sen or 1.93% to RM22.20) and Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd (up 36 sen or 1.7% to RM21.48) were among the top gainers today.

Other top gainers included ViTrox Corp Bhd, Choo Bee Metal Industries Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, Chin Teck Plantations Bhd and Sersol Bhd.

Notable losers were Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, PetDag, HLFG and  K. Seng Seng Corp Bhd.

Reuters reported that Asian shares slipped to a one-week low today and perceived safe haven assets, including the yen and gold, edged higher amid fears of rising inflation and a surge in coronavirus cases.

Japan's Nikkei 225 dived 1.25%, while Seoul's Kospi tumbled 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index plunged 1,84% while the Shanghai Composite Index inched down 0.01%.