KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 22): The FBM KLCI edged up cautiously in early trade today in line with the gains at most regional markets.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI gained 1.17 points to 1,707.72.

The early gainers included Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Ann Joo Resources Bhd, Daibochi Plastic and Packaging Industry Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, JMR Consolidation Bhd, Padini Holdings Bhd, DKSH Holdings (M) Bhd, Mercury Industries Bhd and Hap Seng Plantations Bhd.

Asian stocks edged up on Wednesday, joining a record-setting night for world markets as investors cheered upbeat factory activity in Europe and solid earnings on Wall Street, according to Reuters.

The dollar was steady after hawkish comments from top Federal Reserve officials bolstered expectations the world's no. 1 economy was strong enough to keep policymakers on course to further raise rates this year, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets rallied overnight to fresh record highs after quarterly earnings and President Donald Trump appointed a new national security advisor.

It said that earlier, European stocks were positive following better-than-expected Euro zone Purchasing Manager Index and higher oil prices.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 6.03 points to 1706.55 points.

“Following the positive performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could rebound from yesterday's losses and climb towards its resistance of 1730 points,” it said.