KUALA LUMPUR (June 23): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade today in line with the gains at most regional markets, lifted by select blue chips.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI rose 4.46 points to 1,642.15.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bdh, United Plantations Bhd, MISC Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd and DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) 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.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended lower overnight after being weighed by energy counters.

It said that earlier, European stocks closed higher before the Brexit vote.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 3.46 points to 1637.69 points.

“Following the mixed performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could trend sideways above the support of 1610 points and take a breather from the recent rebound,” it said.