KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): The FBM KLCI remained in negative territory at mid-morning today as investors appeared somewhat rattled by a possible terror attack in Manchester at a concert which has reportedly left some 19 people dead so far.

At 10.04am, the FBM KLCI dipped 2.70 points to 1,772.25.

The top losers included Petronas Gas Bhd, UMS Holdings Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Elsoft Research Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Tune Protect Group Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd and Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd.

The actives included Luster Industries Bhd, Globaltec Formation Bhd, Tiger Synergy Bhd, Key Alliance Group Bhd, NetX Holdings Bhd, PUC Founder MSC Bhd and Land & General Bhd.

The gainers included ViTrox Corporation Bhd, Visdynamics Holdings Bhd, Batu Kawan Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd, Kawan Food Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd and Selangor Properties Bhd.

Sterling extended losses after British police said they were treating an explosion in Manchester as a possible terrorist attack, while the euro retained gains made on comments by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the common currency was "too weak," according to Reuters.

Sterling remained under pressure after police said at least 19 people were killed and about 50 injured in an explosion at a concert in Manchester where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said it sees signs of relief buying after the political scandal in US and this may support the Dow over the immediate term to revisit the all-time-high of 21,178.

“Also, energy shares are likely to focus on the back of slight recovery on crude oil prices ahead of the OPEC meeting.

“Meanwhile, buying flow on the local bourse should remain steady, tracking the positive recovery on Wall Street, coupled with the steadier crude oil prices.

“We opine that O&G sector could see some revival in trading interest following softer focus over the past weeks,” it said.