KUALA  LUMPUR (Aug 29): The FBM KLCI fell in early trade today in line with the slip at most regional markets, dragged by losses including at Petronas-linked stocks.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI fell 3.68 points to 1,679.41.

The early loses included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Petrons Gss Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd and MMC Corporation Bhd.

Most Asian share markets slipped on Monday while the U.S. dollar held firm on Monday after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated an interest rate increase remains on the cards for this year, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slid 0.7 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said U.S. stocks closed mixed on Friday, with utilities lagging, as investors digested remarks made by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

It said that similarly, European stocks seesawed in afternoon trade and closed higher as investors reacted to a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

“The FBM KLCI gained 2.79 points or 0.17% to 1683.09 points on Friday.

“The benchmark index could trade sideways and continue to hover below its resistance level of 1705 in the absence of any catalyst,” it said.