KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 8): Along with other Asian stock indices, the FBM KLCI posted gains today, closing 13.23 points or 0.8% higher, amid cautious optimism among most investors that Democrat Hillary Clinton will win the US presidential election.

The benchmark index closed the day at 1,663.82 points.

Across Bursa Malaysia, 1.25 billion shares worth RM1.71 billion changed hands. There are 438 gainers against 323 decliners while 348 counters closed unchanged.

RGB International Bhd was the most active counter while British American Tobacco (M) Bhd led gainers. Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd was the top decliner.

Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd research head Pong Teng Siew said the market is relieved after the FBI statement on Sunday stated that Clinton is not guilty of criminal wrongdoing in her use of a private email server.

"The market is relieved and has bet on Clinton winning the election. While the outcome is still anyone's guess, I think the market is pretty optimistic of Clinton's chances of winning," Pong said.

Reuters reported that Asian stocks rose as markets wager on Clinton winning the White House race.

MSCI's broadest of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged higher by 0.47% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng also increased by 0.47%. Japan's Nikkei 225, however, slipped slightly by 0.03%. Singapore's STI closed higher by 0.79%.

A report by Reuters said that while polls last week showed Trump closing in on Clinton's lead, at least five major polls today showed Clinton is still ahead.

The ringgit gained slightly against the US dollar to 4.2023. US crude oil edged higher by 0.49% while Brent crude oil rose 0.78%.