KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 6): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade today, lifted by select blue chips despite the more subdued regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI gained 0.68 points to 1,666.38.

The early gainers included KESM Industries Bdh, Genting Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, C.I.Holdings Bhd, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd and Kimlun Corporation Bhd.

Asian stocks were subdued early on Wednesday as floundering crude oil prices continued to dampen risk sentiment, while the dollar and yen drew support from anxiety over global growth and geopolitical risk stemming from Iran-Saudi tensions, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged down 0.1 percent. Wall Street shares closed Tuesday on very modest gains and failed to provide Asia with much impetus, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended mixed overnight amid declines in oil price and Apple shares.

It said that earlier, European stocks edged slightly higher after China's central bank injected US$20 billion into the financial system.

“Back home, the FBM KLCI rose 12.33 points to 1665.70 points after staging a rebound that bucked regional markets.

“Following the uncertain and volatile trading in China, the FBM KLCI is expected to trend sideways with resistance at 1670 points,” it said.