KUALA LUMPUR (July 29): The FBM KLCI fell 2.32 points or 0.1% as Asian share markets retreated after the Bank of Japan announced economic stimulus, which fell short of investors’ expectation.

At 12:30 p.m., the KLCI settled at 1,656.18 points. Across the region, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.63%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.83%.

"The BOJ (Bank of Japan) did not live up to expectations," Reuters quoted Norio Miyagawa, senior economist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo, as saying.

Reuters reported Asian shares slipped after touching a near one-year peak on Friday, while Japanese stocks tumbled and the yen strengthened as the Bank of Japan's fresh stimulus measures disappointed markets.

The Bank of Japan modestly increased purchases of exchange-traded funds, but maintained its base money target at 80 trillion yen (US$775 billion) and the pace of purchases of other assets, including Japanese government bonds.

Across Bursa Malaysia, decliners led gainers by 379 to 255. Volume was 987.59 million shares, valued at RM772.88 million.

Top decliners included Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd and Genting Bhd. Leading gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd.

Most active stocks included Sanichi Technology Bhd and TH Heavy Engineering.