KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): The FBM KLCI rose in early trade, lifted by Petronas-linked stocks but looked poised to stay below the 1,730-resistance level.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI was up 3.06 points to 1,721.39.

The gainers included Malaysia Pacific Industries Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Halex Holdings Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd and Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd.

Asian shares held close to a two-month low on Thursday as softer oil and copper as well as U.S. policy uncertainty kept sentiment in check, while high-tech stocks struggled to recover after a searing sell-off, according to Reuters.

Investors are looking to the final tax legislation in the United States, where a potential U.S. government shutdown looms if Congress fails to agree on a spending package. There are also fears of a violent backlash in the Middle East from President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview said US markets ended mixed with technology counters lifting Nasdaq while the Dow and S&P closed slightly lower as investors await new details on tax reform.

It said that similarly, European stocks ended flat following uncertainty in Brexit negotiations.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI tumbled 6.51 points to 1718.33 points.

“Following the lacklustre performance, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain pressured and hover between 1700 and 1730 points,.” It said.