KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): The FBM KLCI got off to a firmer start this morning in line with the gains at regional markets, lifted by index-linked blue chips.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI rose 9.94 points to 1,862.21.

The gainers included United Plantations Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Hartalege Holdings Bhd, Choo Bee Metal Industries Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

Asian shares edged higher on Friday, after U.S. equities were buoyed by solid quarterly earnings and a rebound in technology stocks, while the euro languished near three-month lows after the European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.3 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview said US markets rallied overnight after strong corporate results and decline in bond yields.

It said European stocks ended higher amid quarterly earnings and the European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI ended flat after closing 0.34 points at 1852.27 points.

“Following the bullish performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could stage a rebound today with support at 1850 points,” it said.