KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 9): The FBM KLCI fell 5.56 points or 0.3%, tracking Asian shares after the European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its monetary policy at current levels.

Such sentiment disappointed investors who had earlier hoped the ECB would introduce more economic stimulus for the region, which is a major importer of Asian goods.

At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI was traded at 1,685.82 points at 9:50am. TA Securities Holdings Bhd said investors had taken the cue from the ECB's decision.

"The local market should extend range bound trade ahead of the long Hari Raya Haji weekend, mildly dampened by the absence of additional stimulus after the ECB refused to extend the deadline of its bond-buying program," TA said.

Reuters reported that Asian shares slipped and global bonds came under pressure on Friday after the ECB left markets in the dark on what future easing steps it may take, while oil prices jumped on an unexpected drawdown in US stockpile.

It was reported that ECB President Mario Draghi, speaking after the central bank kept its policy on hold as expected, said the bank was looking at options to enable it to pursue the money-printing programme, but maintained the March end-date for the plan.

At Bursa Malaysia, 272.66 million shares worth RM132.24 million were traded. There were 158 gainers and 217 decliners.

Top gainer was Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd while leading decliner was British American Tobacco (M) Bhd. The most-active stocks included Century Logistics Holdings Bhd and NWP Holdings Bhd.