KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade this morning and looked poised to end the week on a positive note going into the weekend.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI rose 2.55 points to 1,721.60.

The early gainers included PMB Technology Bhd, DKSH Holdings (M) Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, LCTH Corp Bhd, ViTrox Corp Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd and Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares rallied for a second session on Friday as investors awaited major economic data from China and the United States while marvelling at the meteoric ascent of the market's new crypto-star, bitcoin, according to Reuters.

Japan's Nikkei led the way again with an early gain of 0.9 percent, adding to Thursday's 1.45 percent bounce, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US markets advanced overnight led by technology and material counters amid plans for an infrastructure spending plan next year, progress on tax reform and possible government shutdown.

It said European stocks also ended higher amid progress in Brexit talks and US tax reform.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI was flat after adding 0.72 points to 1719.05 points.

“Given the recent lacklustre performance, the index is expected to hover between 1700 and 1730 points,” it said.