KUALA LUMPUR (May 14): The FBM KLCI remained in negative territory at the mid-day break on Monday, in line with the mixed regional markets that mostly pared down gains as the weaker outlook for the eurozone kept investor sentiment in check.
At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was down 2.16 points to 1,582.16.
Market breadth was negative with 440 losers, 147 gainers and 273 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 411.86 million shares valued at RM329.45 million.
The ringgit weakened 0.12% to 3,0746 versus the US dollar crude palm oil futures for the the third month delivery fell RM41 per tonne to RM3.224, crude oil lost 42 cents per barrel to US$95.71 (RM294.79) while gold added US$2.12 an ounce to US$1,581.53.
Asian shares fell on Monday after weekend talks to form a new Greek government failed and China's latest move to loosen monetary policy highlighted concerns its economy is faltering, prompting investors to further trim their exposure to risk, according to Reuters.
At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei was up 0.23% to 8,973.50, Hong Kong’s hang Seng index added 0.29% to 2,0023.10, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.19% top 2,399.56 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.44% to 2,895.96.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.16% to 7,389.85 and South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.22% to 1,912.90.
On Bursa Malaysia, SAM Engineering was the top loser in the morning session and fell 58 sen to RM3.07, Sarawak Oil Palms fell 21 sen to RM6.25, Kluang and Tradewinds Plantations down 20 sen each to RM2.60 and RM5.69, Far East 17 sen to RM7.48, MSC 12 sen to RM4.10, TH Plantations 11 sen to RM2.48, while KPJ and Genting Plantations fell 10 sen each to RM5.79 and RM9.40.
Compugates was the most actively traded counter with 25.38 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 9 sen.
Other actives included Ariantec, Scope, Permaju, Naim Indah Corp, Karambunai, Daya Metronic, Focus and Astral supreme.
Gainers included KrisAssets, BAT, KLK, Nestle, Aeon Credit, Ajinomoto, Delloyd, GAB and Can-One.