KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): The FBM KLCI dipped 0.13% in early trade this morning, dragged by losses including at Public Bank and other index-linked blue chips.

At 9.10am, the FBM KLCI dipped 2.22 points to 1,693.15.

The decliners included Nestle (M) Bhd, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, YSP Southeast Holdings Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd and Gamuda Bhd warrant.

Asian shares stepped ahead cautiously on Thursday while oil rebounded from a steep sell-off, though rising U.S. interest rates and escalating trade tensions kept financial markets on edge amid signs of slackening global growth, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.2 percent and has so far managed to hold up in November after three straight monthly declines. For the year, it is on track for its worst annual performance since 2011, in part due to anxiety over a weakening outlook for corporate profits, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research in a traders’ brief said it opines that the volatility could remain over the near term with the unsettled grounds on the trade front and investors will be focusing on the upcoming G20 summit, FOMC and the OPEC meeting as the outcome of the events will be affecting markets’ tone significantly.

“The Dow’s resistance and support will be envisaged around 24,135 and 25,113, respectively.

“On the local front, the market sentiment is likely to recover in tandem with Wall Street as most of the tech stocks registered mild gains overnight as well as rebound in crude oil prices could lift the sentiment amongst the oil and gas stocks.

“The FBM KLCI’s trading range could be expected within 1,673-1,700,” it said.