KUALA LUMPUR (July 13): The FBM KLCI rose marginally in early trade this morning in line with the advance at regional markets, riding on the back of the firm overnight close at Wall Street.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI rose 0.19 poins to 1,654.16.

The top gainers included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Maxis Bhd and MKH Bhd.

Asian shares came within reach of testing their 2016 peak on Wednesday as prospects of solid U.S. growth and accommodative economic policy in major countries whet investors risk appetite damaged by uncertainty from Brexit, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2 percent in early trade to 426.62, just below its year-to-date high of 428.22. Japan's Nikkei gained 1.9 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets surged overnight to reach record high levels as fears eased over Brexit and Japan signaled more economic stimulus.

It said that similarly, European stocks advanced on reduced uncertainty over UK politics with the upcoming appointment of a new UK prime minister.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI ended 0.10 points higher at 1653.97 points after a last minute spike to reverse intra-day losses.

“Following the bullish performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could follow suit and test its resistance of 1665 points,” it said.