KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 14): The FBM KLCI notched up limited gains at the midday break in line with the mixed regional markets, against the backdrop of a fairly resilient domestic economic growth.

The Malaysian economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), expanded 5.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017 (4Q17), driven mainly by private sector demand.

Full-year GDP grew 5.9% year-on-year, compared with 4.2% recorded in 2016.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was up 1.16 points to 1,834.18. The index had earlier risen to its intra-morning high of 1,835.72.

Gainers led losers by 282 to 241, while 557 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 763.74 million shares valued at RM715.19 million.

The gainers included Top Glove Corp Bhd, Southern Steel Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, ViTrox Corp Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Kuchai Development Bhd and Ann Joo Resources Bhd.

The actives included PUC Bhd, Sumatec Resources Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd, Tiger Synergy Bhd, UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd.

The decliners included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, United Plantations Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Unisem (M) Bhd, Ibraco Bhd and MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd.

Asian share markets turned mixed on Wednesday as investor nerves were strained ahead of a US inflation report that could soothe, or inflame, fears of faster rate hikes globally, according to Reuters.

Japanese demand for yen also saw the US dollar break last year's low and skid to a 15-month trough at 107.01, dragging the US currency down broadly, it said.

Affin Hwang IB senior associate director and head of retail research Datuk Dr Nazri Khan Adam Khan said the US market continued to be vulnerable, despite mediocre rebound from last week's down fall, bond yields continue to drop ahead of the release of a widely anticipated US inflation data.

"For the local market, the FBM KLCI is anticipated to be mixed with an upward bias, following a third day gain of US stock market with market participants focusing more on the banking sector.

"The FBM KLCI retraces for short-term correction and needs to maintain above 1,790 to remain bullish. Volatility expected to surge," he said.