KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The FBM KLCI dipped 0.12% at the midday break today as sentiment turned bearish, in line with tentative regional markets.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI shed 2.05 points to 1,720.94.

Market breadth was negative as losers beat gainers by 458 to 159, while 504 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.23 billion shares valued at RM888.53 million.

The losers included Ge-Shen Corp Bhd, Ajinomoto (M) Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, APM Automotive Holdings Bhd, Ann Joo Resources Bhd, Hai-O Enterprise Bhd, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd and Batu Kawan Bhd.

The actives included Sumatec Resources Bhd, Trive Property Group Bhd, Asia Bioenergy Technologies Bhd, Berjaya Corp Bhd, Ho Wah Genting Bhd, Diversified Gateway Solutions Bhd, Sino Hua-An International Bhd, DGB Asia Bhd, UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd and KNM Group Bhd.

The gainers included Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, PMB Technology Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Hock Heng Stone Industries Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd and Atlan Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares got off to a cautious start on Thursday after Wall Street stumbled despite upbeat US economic news and the Treasury yield curve hit its flattest in a decade as investors priced in more US rate hikes, according to Reuters.

Concerns over the prospects for a massive US tax cut also showed no sign of abating as two Republican lawmakers on Wednesday criticised the Senate's latest proposal, it said.

CIMB Retail Research said the FBM KLCI index erased early gains to end Wednesday with a negative tone due to the weaker-than-expected China economic data.

"The market breadth remained negative.

"Coupled with the weak technical indicators, the key index might fall further to test 1,729 or lower today. Resistance: 1,750 & 1,760. Support: 1,729 & 1,705," it said.