KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 29): The FBM KLCI is expected to end the year on a high note and close the final trading day of 2017 positively, in line with the overnight rally at most global markets.

The local benchmark index has risen 8.62% year-to-date, and is likely to extend gains on year-end window dressing activities with oil and gas-related stocks still in focus as crude oil prices remain near 2-1/2 year highs.

World stocks trotted higher in light, holiday trading on Thursday, moving to record levels as rising industrial metals prices gestured to a strong finish to the year for risk assets.

MSCI's world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, has returned more than 24 percent this year including dividends, and looks set for a record 14th month of gains. The index added 0.15 percent on Thursday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 34.9 points, or 0.14 percent, to 24,809.2, the S&P 500 gained 1.12 points, or 0.04 percent, to 2,683.74 and the Nasdaq Composite added 6.58 points, or 0.09 percent, to 6,945.91.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, stocks in focus today may include: Acoustech Bhd, Berjaya Corp Bhd, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Karyon Industries Bhd, Kimlun Corp Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd, My E.G. Services Bhd, Ranhill Holdings Bhd, Suria Capital Holdings Bhd, Tatt Giap Group Bhd, and Vivocom Intl Holdings Bhd.