KUALA LUMPUR (May 15): The FBM KLCI settled up 14.42 points or 0.9% at Bursa Malaysia's afternoon break today with Asian markets, after US stocks' overnight rise. World shares rose amid an apparent ease in China-US trade war concerns after both nations said talks are ongoing to find a solution to the dispute.

At 12:30pm, the KLCI settled at 1,613.61 after KLCI stocks including Dialog Group Bhd and Top Glove Corp Bhd rose among Bursa's top gainers.

"Still, we believe the recent (KLCI) rebound is likely to be short lived as the uncertain trade developments could weigh on stock markets, given the heightened tensions between US and China over the recent trade discussions ended with another round of retaliation," Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd wrote in a note today.

"Should there be any negative headlines in the near term, it could pose downside risk towards the markets. Nevertheless, export oriented stocks are likely to stay in focus on the back of the weakening ringgit," Hong Leong said.

Globally, Reuters reported that Asian stocks bounced from a 3½-month low on Wednesday as a slight softening in rhetoric from US President Donald Trump helped ease worries about the US-China tariff war and on expectations Beijing could release more economic stimulus. It was reported that shares in Asia were led by strong gains in Chinese equities, which rebounded after two days of losses.