KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 10): The FBM KLCI settled down 9.48 points or 0.61% at 1,545.01 during Bursa Malaysia's afternoon break today as Asian shares fell on news that the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak's global death toll had risen past 900.

Such sentiment led to anticipation of the coronavirus outbreak's impact on the world economy and markets. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd wrote in a note today that the research firm believes regional stock markets will face headwinds amid concerns on the coronavirus outbreak.

Rakuten said if the coronavirus outbreak is prolonged, "there is a high likelihood that the Fed (US Federal Reserve) may look at reducing interest rates again to boost the US economy".

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, citing data from China's National Health Commission, said in a statement on Facebook today that 908 people had died as of yesterday (Feb 9) across Mainland China after 97 new deaths were recorded.

Outside Mainland China, Bloomberg reported that there have been two deaths, one in Hong Kong and another in the Philippines.

Across Bursa at 12:30pm, 1.43 billion shares worth RM863.12 million were traded.

KLCI-linked stocks Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd emerged among Bursa top decliners. Top gainers included United Plantations Bhd and UWC Bhd.