KUALA LUMPUR (July 21): The FBM KLCI fell 0.39% at mid-morning today, weighed by losses at select blue chips including Petronas-linked stocks.

Investor sentiment also appeared adversely impacted after the US Department of Justice moved to sue on Wednesday to seize more than US$1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

At 10.01am, the FBM KLCI fell 6.52 points to 1,663.09.

The top losers included Nestle (M) Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd and Asia File Corporation Bhd.

The actives included Borneo Oil Bhd, PDZ Holdings Bhd, XOX Bhd, Dancomech Bhd, Asia Media Group Bhd, Sanichi Technology Bhd and Vivocom Holdings Bhd.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd, P.I.E. Industrial Bhd, Enra Group Bhd and Scientex Bhd.

Asian shares edged up on Thursday, bolstered by fresh record highs on Wall Street and a recovery in crude oil prices, while the dollar climbed to a six-week peak against the safe-haven yen, according to Reuters.

Crude gained as much as 1 percent on Wednesday, after U.S. inventory data alleviated some fears of supply glut, though gave up some its gains in early Asian trade, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said despite recent optimism of better-than-expected US economic data and results, hopes of more stimulus from central banks and governments and expectations of more mega project roll-outs by Government in the near term, the FBM KLCI may witness near term profit taking pullback amid IMF pessimistic mode on global economy, revival of 1MDB saga and stretched technical indicators.

“Immediate supports are 1656-1666. Key resistances are 1684-1700,” it said.