KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 6): The FBM KLCI pared some of its gains at mid-morning today as buying turned sluggish and sellers crept up to match buyers.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI was up 2.98 points to 1,743.91. The index had earlier risen to a high of 1,745.22.

The top gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, MISC Bhd, PMB Technology Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd and Mercury Industries Bhd.

The actives included Diversified Gateway Solutions Bhd, PUC Bhd, EA Holdings Bhd, Ekovest Bhd, UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd, Salcon Bhd and Mlabs Systems Bhd.

The losers included Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Harrisons Holdings (M) Bhd and Perusahaan Sadur Timah Malaysia Bhd.

Asian shares hovered near decade highs on Monday as strong U.S. economic data and corporate earnings supported global stocks while major currencies held in tight ranges as investors focussed on U.S. President Donald Trump's tour of Asia this week, according to Reuters.

Trump ramped up his tough rhetoric against North Korea as he kicked off a 12-day Asian trip on Sunday, saying the United States and its allies are prepared to defend freedom, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research in a traders’ brief said the overseas markets may continue its optimism with the idea of Trump's tax reform, coupled with the support of better-than-estimated earnings from most of the technology stocks.

“Given that, we opine the Dow could extend its rally towards 24,000 psychological level.

“Meanwhile, stocks on the local front are likely to stay muted and cautious ahead of the November reporting season.

“Most of the investors are waiting for the elections to be held to firm up their investment decisions after the major event. We may expect sluggish foreign participation after another week of outflows,” it said.