KUALA LUMPUR (June 24): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade today in line with the rally at most regional markets, lifted by select blue chips.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI rose 0.73 points to 1,727.59.

The top gainers included Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, VS Industry Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Guiness Anchor Bhd and Uzma Bhd.

Asia shares rallied for a sixth straight session on Wednesday as investors chose to be optimistic on the chances of a Greek debt deal, while the dollar held broad gains as the prospect of US rate rises came back on the radar, according to Reuters.

Japan's Nikkei led the way as a gain of 0.4% cleared a peak from 2000 to reach ground last trod in 1997, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended slightly higher with the Nasdaq extending its all time high following mixed economic data of lower durable goods and higher new home sales.

Meanwhile, it said European stocks extended gains on hopes of Greece avoiding default before June 30 as the nation presented new proposals to its creditors.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 5.90 points to 1,726.86 points following a last minute plunge.

“As the market reacted weakly to the positive development in Greece yesterday, we expect the index to remain sideways with a positive bias with support at 1,715 points,” it said.