KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 31): The FBM KLCI snapped its eight-day losing streak in early trade Friday and ticked up marginally, lifted by gains including at Hartalega Holdings Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI gained 0.40 points to 1,545.99.

The early gainers included Heineken Malaysia Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, PLB Engineering Bhd, Mesiniaga Bhd, Hartalega, Maxis Bhd, Tenaga Nasional, RHB Bank Bhd and Adventa Bhd.

Reuters said Asian share markets were praying for a reprieve at the end of a punishing week as investors snatched at hopes the coronavirus could be contained, even as headlines spoke of more cases and deaths.

Sentiment got a timely boost when Amazon's sales blew past all expectations and sent its stock soaring 11% after hours, adding over $100 billion in market worth, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US stocks closed higher on Thursday after a sharp comeback late in the session erased earlier losses stemming from concerns around the coronavirus.

It said that meanwhile, European markets closed lower, weighed on by a rising coronavirus death toll and reacting to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates on hold.

“On the domestic front, the FBM KLCI lost 4.88 points or 0.31% to end at 1545.59 points yesterday.

“Following the lackluster performances posted by the overseas markets, we expect the local bourse to remain under pressure, trending lower with our support at 1520 points,” it said.