KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): The FBM KLCI got off to a subdued start this morning as sentiment remained tepid.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI  dipped 2.54 points to 1,715.32.

The early losers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Affin Holdings Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, S P Setia Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd and V.S. Industry Bhd.

The U.S. dollar bounced to a two-week top on Monday as traders celebrated the passage of a Senate tax bill over the weekend, while stronger U.S. stock futures pointed to a merry start for Asian shares, according to Reuters.

The greenback jumped 0.7 percent in early Asian trade to as far as 112.98 yen, the highest since Nov. 17. It climbed 0.5 percent last week, a welcome reprieve to bulls after three straight sessions of losses, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview said US markets tumbled on Friday on news that former national security adviser Michael Flynn would testify that he was ordered by President Donald Trump to make contact with Russians during the presidential campaign last year.

It said that similarly, European stocks declined due to uncertainties in the US related to politics and tax.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 2.52 points to 1717.86 points.

“Following the recent sluggish performance, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain lacklustre and trend lower towards the support of 1700 points,” it said.