KUALA LUMPUR (June 14): The FBM KLCI was down 0.54% at mid-morning as key blue chips fell in line with the retreat at most regional markets.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI fell 8.69 points to 1,621.08.

The top losers included Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, United U-Li Corporation Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, MNRB Holdings Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Genting Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Supermax Corporation Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd.

The actives included Vivocom International Holdings Bhd, Sumatec Resources Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd, Borneo Oil Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd and KNM Group Bhd.

The gainers included Goldis Bhd, Pestech International Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, C.I. Holdings Bhd and Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd.

Asian stocks slipped on Tuesday amid growing worries this month's referendum in Britain could see it exit the European Union, while markets were also nervous ahead of the US Federal Reserve's two-day meeting that begins later in the day, according to Reuters.

The pound and euro have suffered in recent sessions as economists fear that the so-called Brexit would tip Europe back into recession. Voters appear divided ahead of the June 23 referendum, with the "Out" campaign widening its lead over the "In" camp, according to two opinion polls published by ICM on Monday, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said albeit yesterday’s Hammer candlestick indicating the likelihood of technical rebound, the rebound is not convincing amid still falling oscillators, correction in oil prices, weakening ringgit, declines in US stocks, jittery ahead of FOMC meeting on 14–15 this week, as well as uncertainty surrounding the looming BREXIT referendum on 23 June.

“This week’s expected range 1,615–1,650; Today’s expected range 1,615–1,635; Resistances 1,635, 1,640, 1,647; Supports 1,623, 1,615, 1,610,” it said.