KUALA LUMPUR (July 2): The FBM KLCI fell 0.47% at midday break today, as latest data showed business conditions across Malaysia’s manufacturing sector deteriorating, albeit at a slower pace in June.

Released this morning, the headline purchasing managers’ index (PMI) registered below the neutral 50.0 threshold during June, but rose from 47.6 in May to 49.5.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI fell 8.03 points to 1,683.47. The index had earlier slipped to a low of 1,680.73.

Losers led gainers by 310 to 213, while 514 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 867.82 million shares, valued at RM598.88 million.

Top losers included Public Bank Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, Enra Group Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd and Enra Group Bhd.

The actives included Sapura Energy Bhd, Borneo Oil Bhd, Hibicus Petroleum Bhd, Advance Synergy Bhd, GSB Group Bhd and MY E.G. Services Bhd.

Gainers included Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, DKSH Holdings (M) Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Supermax Corp Bhd and Hartalega Holdings Bhd.

Asian share markets were burdened by fresh losses in China on Monday, while Mexico's peso firmed as exit polls pointed to a decisive victory for presidential front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's party, according to Reuters.

Dealers said the clear win would at least settle one source of political uncertainty. Yet leftist Obrador is also expected to inject a dose of nationalism into government and sharpen divisions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Reuters said.

Affin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI Index rebounded 25.82 points, ending last week with a positive note.

“In technical terms, the local index is anticipated to continue its rebound higher this week, as indicators are showing prices hovering around oversold regions currently.

“The FBM KLCI Index likely to move sideways, with slight upward bias in the near-term,” the research house said.