KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): The FBM KLCI is expected to kick start June in a subdued fashion today, in line with the lacklustre overnight close at most global markets.

The 30-stock FBM KLCI dipped 2.19 points month-on-month in May, and the tepid mood is set to continue in the near term on the back of global political and economic developments.

Major stock markets around the globe ended a solid May on a weak note on Wednesday, while the British pound fell as conflicting poll results stoked worries whether the ruling Conservatives could lose seats in next week's UK general election, according to Reuters.

MSCI's global equity index, which tracks 45 stock markets, dipped 0.1 percent, paring its month-to-date gain to 1.8 percent. The index booked seven months of increases, which would be its longest monthly winning streak in over a decade, it said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended down 22.39 points, or 0.11 percent, at 21,007.08, the S&P 500 finished 1.12 points, or 0.05 percent, lower at 2,411.79 and the Nasdaq Composite closed down 4.67 points, or 0.08 percent, at 6,198.52, said Reuters.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, companies that will be in focus today may include the following: Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd, AMMB Holdings Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, Bumi Armada Bhd, Alliance Financial Group Bhd, KNM Group Bhd, Iris Corp Bhd, Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd, Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor and Destini Bhd.