KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 6): The FBM KLCI cut losses after falling on profit taking following the index's recent gains.

At 9:22am, the KLCI dropped 1.81 points or 0.1% to 1,676.27. Earlier, the index fell 4.59 points to 1,673.49 at 9:11am.

Yesterday, the KLCI rose 6.29 points to 1,678.08 in anticipation that US policy makers would postpone interest rate hikes after August employment numbers grew at a slower on-month rate. The growth rate was below market forecast.

Today, Malaysian shares cut losses as Asian shares rose. Japan's Nikkei 225 added 0.28% while South Korea's Kospi was 0.03% higher.

Reuters reported that Asian shares edged up on Tuesday but were mostly in a holding pattern after Monday's US holiday, as investors awaited a policy decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

In Malaysia, TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note today
that "while the local market may extend recovery along with the region today, trading momentum is likely to be mild pending a stronger local market catalyst."

Across Bursa Malaysia, 153.55 million shares valued at RM62.29 million changed hands at 9:22am. 

There were 166 gainers and 147 decliners.