KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 18): The FBM KLCI dipped in early trade on Wednesday, ahead of the extended weekend for the Lunar New Year holidays.

At 9am, the local index fell 3.55 points to 1,806.54.

The top losers included Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd and Faber Group Bhd.

Asian equities tracked a mild bounce on Wall Street to edge higher on Wednesday, although caution over talks later in the day in the ongoing Greek debt saga limited gains, according to Reuters.

Japan's Nikkei rose 0.9 percent, given an extra lift by a weaker yen and Australian shares gained 0.4 percent. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was steady, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a markte preview Wednesday said European equities closed mixed due to ongoing concern on Greece.

However, it said US markets were positive with the S&P500 extending its record high after a news report that Greece will ask for a loan extension in a meeting with Euro zone later today..

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI added 1.20 points to 1810.09 points.

“Following the positive lead from the US, we expect the KLCI to continue hovering above 1,800 points but lack the boost to test its key resistance of 1,830 points amid of shorter trading session and muted trading activities ahead of Lunar New Year holidays,” it said.