KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): The FBM KLCI is expected to hold on to its gains today, in line with the overnight gains at most major global markets.

Stock markets in Europe and the United States advanced on Thursday, offsetting more losses in Asia as investors were encouraged by economic data from Germany and a report that its big carmakers could be spared from U.S. tariffs, according to Reuters.

Shares of Mercedes-maker Daimler, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen surged as much as 5 percent after reports of a U.S. offer to suspend tariff threats on EU-made cars if the bloc lifts duties on U.S. vehicles, it said.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 181.92 points, or 0.75 percent, to 24,356.74, the S&P 500 gained 23.39 points, or 0.86 percent, to 2,736.61 and the Nasdaq Composite added 83.75 points, or 1.12 percent, to 7,586.43, said Reuters.

Based on the corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, companies in focus today may include: Wah Seong Corp Bhd, Vertice Bhd, Avillion Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd and Kumpulan Powernet Bhd.