KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade today in line with the uptrend at the regional markets.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI gained 2.62 points to 1,659.12.

The top gainers included Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Huat Lai Resources Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, Oriental Interest Bhd, Keck Seng (Malaysia) Bhd, Malaysia Pafici Industries Bhd and Hong Leong Industries Bhd.

Asian share markets rose on Thursday as Wall Street bounced on expectations the Federal Reserve would be confident enough of the U.S. economy to raise rates in December but would then proceed with great caution on further tightening, acording to Reuters.

The prospect of the first U.S. hike in almost a decade kept the dollar strong overall and commodities under severe pressure, it said.

JF Apex Securities in a market preview today sauid US markets rallied after the release of Federal Reserve's minutes for its October meeting indicating a potential rate hike next month.

Meanwhile, it said European stocks remained under pressure on continuous security scares after the terrorist attack on Paris.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 5.03 points to 1656.50 points to remain in the short-term downtrend channel.

“Following Wall Street's overnight gains, we expect the FBM KLCI to be positive today with immediate resistance at 1670 points.

“For the downside, immediate support is seen at 1645 points,” it said.