KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The FBM KLCI gained 6.98 points or 0.4% as regional markets rose, following overnight US share gains.

At 12.30pm, the KLCI settled at 1,671.05 points.

Across Bursa Malaysia, 1.64 billion shares worth some RM980 million exchanged hands. There were 443 gainers versus 341 decliners.

British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd were among top gainers. Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd was top decliner and also the most active stock.

Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd's head of research Chan Ken Yew told theedgemarkets.com that the research firm expected the KLCI to "consolidate, as the market is still lacking fresh catalysts when entering the results reporting season."

Chan said the KLCI had to contend with weaker crude oil prices and ringgit. He said Kenanga expected the KLCI to test the 1,650 level this week.

Asian markets rose. South Korea's Kospi added 0.48%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 1.36%. Japan markets are closed for holiday, today.

In US overnight trades, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.94%, while S&P 500 added 1.19%. Nasdaq Composite was 1.45% higher.

(Note: The Edge Research's fundamental score reflects a company’s profitability and balance sheet strength, calculated based on historical numbers. The valuation score determines if a stock is attractively valued or not, also based on historical numbers. A score of 3 suggests strong fundamentals and attractive valuations.)