KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 18): The FBM KLCI is expected to defend its position above the 1,750-point level today, in line with the gains at most global markets last Friday.

Sentiment at the local bourse has turned positive in recent days with a slew of favourable economic outlook for the country as well as the return of foreign funds to buy into Malaysian equity.

Shares gained worldwide on Friday and Wall Street notched closing record highs on U.S. tax legislation optimism, while the U.S. yield curve turned its flattest in a decade after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates this week, according to Reuters.

MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe gained 0.31 percent after a week of central bank meetings that saw the Fed raise U.S. rates yet leave its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged. The European Central Bank and the Bank of England held off on hikes, it said.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow last Friday, stocks in focus today may include: Eco World International Bhd, Eco World Development Group Bhd, Gamuda Bhd, REDtone International Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Carimin Petroleum Bhd, Metronic Global Bhd, Straits Inter Logistics Bhd, Ta Win Holdings Bhd, Hubline Bhd, LBS Bina Bhd, Sunway Bhd, Ire-Tex Corp Bhd, Uzma Bhd, Jaks Resources Bhd, Green Packet Bhd and Kinsteel Bhd.