KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): The FBM KLCI could extend its consolidation phase today in line with the overnight pullback at most global markets.

The FBM KLCI has been hovering around the 1,660-point level and struggling to breach the 1,670-level over the past week given the gloomy global economic outlook as well as persistent threats of terrorism following the bloodied attacks in Paris that left scores dead.

The U.S. dollar pulled back on Thursday after four sessions of gains and U.S. stocks edged lower in choppy trade as the prospect that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike interest rates next month gained steam, according to Reuters.

Shares in major European markets rallied, while U.S. crude again dipped below $40 a barrel before rebounding, it said.

Sentiment at the local market has taken for the worse on the lack of fresh corporate catalysts.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, the companies that may be in focus today could include the following: Media Prima, PUC Founder, Lay Hong, GDex, ViTrox, REDtone, Instacom, Ni Hsin, Paramount, Halex, AMMB, Dialog, Oriented Media, MBM Resources, MRCB and Boustead Plantations.