KUALA LUMPUR (June 23): The FBM KLCI eased at mid-morning today on some mild profit and drifted marginally lower.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI dipped 0.34 points to 1,637.35. The index had earlier risen to a high of 1,642.15.

The top decliners included Lii Hen Industries Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Genting Bhd, UOA Development Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd and UMW Holdings Bhd.

The actives included O&C Resources Bhd, Hiap Teck Venture Bhd, Comintel Corporation Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, Vsolar Group Bhd, Nexgram Holdings Bhd and Borneo Oil Bhd.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, United Plantations Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd, Scientex Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd.

Asian shares edged up and sterling stood close to its peak for the year on Thursday, as investors were cautiously optimistic that British voters would opt to remain in the European Union at a referendum later in the session, according to Reuters.

Two opinion polls published late on Wednesday, a few hours before voters were due to begin to cast their votes, showed the "Remain" camp gaining momentum in the closely divided campaign, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that ahead of the crucial Brexit vote today (results to be known on Friday morning) and tracking lacklustre performance in Dow overnight and regional markets yesterday (June 22) coupled with a retreat in oil prices, the FBM KLCI may ease on mild profit taking after rising 24 points in three straight sessions.

"Short-term resistances are 1,640–1,650 while supports fall on 1,612–1,620," it said.