KUALA LUMPUR (March 9): The FBM KLCI ticked higher in early trade but gains were seen limited given the uncertainties arising from gobal developments.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI added 4.19 points to 1,843.81.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, ViTrox Corp Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, KESM Industries Bhd, Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd and Genting Bhd.

Asian stock markets made guarded gains on Friday on news North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had offered to stop nuclear and missile testing and to arrange a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Reuters.

South Korea's national security adviser made the announcement at the White House, after delivering a letter from Kim to Trump, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview said US markets rose overnight led by consumer and utility counters as import tariffs on steel and aluminium imports excluded Canada and Mexico.

It said that earlier, European stocks advanced after the European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI added 1.72 points to 1839.62 points.

“Following the improved market sentiment, the FBM KLCI could hover sideways above the 1840-point level. For the downside, support is seen at 1800 points,” it said.