KUALA LUMPUR (May 15): The FBM KLCI remained in negative territory at mid-morning today as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's working visit to China to ink several deals did not seem to excite the local market all that much.

At 10.05am, the FBM KLCI fell 1.97 points to 1,773.90.

The top losers included Hartalega Holdings Bhd, CAB Cakaran Corp Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Tasek Corporation Bhd, AMMB Holdings Bhd, United Malacca Bhd, Eversendai Corp Bhd and Jaks Resources Bhd.

The actives included Dagang NeXchange Bhd, Borneo Oil Bhd, Globaltec Formation Bhd, JAG Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, NetX Holdings Bhd, SKH Consortium Bhd and IFCA MSC Bhd.

The gainers included Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Ajinomoto (M) Bhd, LPI Capital Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd and Hong Leong Bank Bhd.

Asian stocks got off to a shaky start on Monday as a ransomware attack that locked up more than 200,000 computers in over 150 countries and a missile test by North Korea on Sunday kept investors on edge, according to Reuters.

Safe-haven assets including the yen, gold and US Treasuries held their gains from Friday after weaker-than-expected economic data from the US dented risk appetite, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that in the US, investors would still trade cautiously after the recent slowdown in earnings on retail sector.

"Hence, the Dow may hover between the 20,500 [and] 21,000 levels. Also, a few economic data to monitor this week include China's IPI and UK April CPI.

"Shares on Bursa Malaysia, however, could turn slightly positive riding on memoranda of understanding signed between Malaysian and Chinese corporates over the weekend.

"Prime Minister (Najib Razak's) discussion with Jack Ma (Alibaba) and Wang Jianlin (Wanda Group) is likely to generate trading interest within e-commerce and selected property developer stocks," it said.