KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): The FBM KLCI fell 1.4% to below the psychologically crucial 1,800-point level,weighed by losses at blue chips including Petronas-linked counters.

At 10.02am, the FBM KLCI lost 26.22 points to 1,794.67.

The top losers included Petronas Gas Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Coastal Contracts Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Calsberg Brewerey (M) Bhd, SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd, Dialog Group Bhd and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd.

The actively traded counters included Sumatec Resources Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, Malaysian Airline System Bhd, Berjaya Corporation Bhd, SapuraKencana, Bumi Armada Bhd, Technodex Bhd and AirAsia Bhd.

The top gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, United Plantations, KLCC Property Holdings Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, Pestech International Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd.

At the global markets, gold prices fell the most in more than three weeks and the Swiss franc dipped slightly on Monday after Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected proposals to boost gold reserves in a referendum, according to Reuters.

The measure, had it been approved, would have compelled the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to more than double its gold reserves and banned it from ever selling the metal, threatening its ability to defend a 1.20 euro cap on the Swiss franc imposed at the height of the euro zone crisis, it said.

BIMB Securities said that in Asia, key indices ended mixed last Friday with stocks changing hands between energy and consumer companies.

“Back home, the FBM KLCI ended lower, losing 9.02 points to 1,820.89 dragged down mainly by O&G counters.

“Trading participation saw net selling from foreign institutions while local institutions and retail were net buyers.

“We expect another lackluster trading day due to lack of fresh catalysts with the index hovering in the region of 1,818-25,” it said.