KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 11): The FBM KLCI remained in positive territory at mid-morning today in line with the uptrend at most regional markets, but gains were markedly limited.

At 9.56am, the FBM KLCI was up 1.66 points to 1,673.71.

The gainers included Daibochi Plastic and Packaging Industry Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, DKSH Holdings (M) Bhd, Hai-O Enterprise Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd, Muhibbah Engineering Bhd and MISC Bhd.

The actives included IFCA MSC Bhd, Sanichi Technology Bhd, Iris Corporation Bhd, Sumatec Resources Bhd, Green Packet Bhd and Malaysia Building Society Bhd.

The decliners included Nestle (M) Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd and Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd.

Asian shares stood near two-month highs on Wednesday as investors looked to President-elect Donald Trump's news conference later in the day for any clues to his policies on tax, fiscal spending, international trade and currencies, according to Reuters.

While his plan for tax cuts and infrastructure spending has boosted U.S. shares and the dollar, his protectionist statements have kept many investors on guard, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said while traders are closely monitoring Donald Trump's news conference to get potential cues on his policies, investors may sideline for the time being.

“Also, the cautious market sentiments were set earlier as the Dow was not able to surpass the 20,000 psychological level, coupled with weaker Brent crude oil price below the US$54 per barrel mark.

“Meanwhile, share prices on our local front, trading focus might be shifting towards the ACE stocks as FBM ACE trended above 5,000, while the FBM Small Caps Index is taking a pause around the 200-d SMA.

“Hence, profit taking activities are likely to emerge further among small caps stocks after the recent gains,” it said.