KUALA LUMPUR (March 24): The FBM KLCI gained 0.44 point to 1,747.44 points amid uncertainties on whether U.S. President Donald Trump's healthcare bill vote will happen later today (Friday).

On Thursday, U.S. policymakers delayed the vote, which is seen as a litmus test for Trump's other policies. Reuters reported that the U.S. House of Representatives had been scheduled to vote on the bill on Thursday, but leaders put off the vote after failing to find enough support among Republicans to pass it. 
 
At Bursa Malaysia today, the KLCI settled at 1,747.44 points at 12:30pm, after rising to its highest and lowest levels so far at 1,749.61 and 1,746.25 points respectively.

Across Bursa Malaysia, decliners outpaced gainers by 503 to 274 respectively. Total volume was 2.1 billion shares, worth RM979.45 million.

Areca Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Danny Wong told theedgemarkets.com that the Malaysian stock market rose, as foreign funds continued to flow in.

“There is momentum, although it is not very strong now, but it will grow as more funds come in. I believe the market would be led by blue chips, followed by the second and third tier (counters) the coming weeks,” Wong said.

Earlier today, TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note that at the KLCI's current level, index-linked stocks could be ripe for profit taking.  

"Blue chips should continue to stay range bound on profit-taking mode, while active rotational plays sustain in ICT or Internet-related small cap stocks on speculation of involvement in the DFTZ (Digital Free Trade Zone)," TA said.