KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 26): The FBM KLCI retreated at mid-morning but held its position above the 1,750-point level.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI was down 3.42 points to 1,756.81.

Losers led gainers at 241 to 214, while 277 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 347.47 million shares valued at RM175.39 million.

The top losers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Mercury Industries Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Chin Teck Plantations Bhd and IGB Real Estate Investment Trust.

The actives included P.A. Resources Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, PUC Bhd, Malayan United Industries Bhd, Diversified Gateway Solutions Bhd, DGB Asia Bhd, Hubline Bhd, Destini Bhd and Ekovest Bhd.

The gainers included Allianz Malaysia Bhd, Kim Loong Resources Bhd, Pentamaster Corp Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Pintaras Jaya Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Sern Kou Resources Bhd and AMMB Holdings Bhd.

Hong Leong IB Research in a traders' brief said that in the US, trading interest could turn softer throughout the final week of the year and market sentiments are likely to stay subdued with investors staying aside for the shortened trading week.

"Nevertheless, the Dow is likely to end the year without a single declining month for 2017.

"Meanwhile, on the local front, selected index heavyweights may stay positive on the back of window dressing activities, which may eventually lift the key index higher.

"Also, we believe that with the Brent crude oil staying above US$65 last week, oil and gas sector is likely to trade on a more positive tone," it said.