KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 20): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade today, lifted by select blue chips but gains were seen limited in line with the cautious regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI rose 3.48 points to 1,655.19.

The early gainers included Petronas Gas Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, George Kent (M) Bhd, Focus Lumber Bhd, MNRB Holdings Bhd and GD Express Carrier Bhd.

Asian shares edged lower on Tuesday as investors nervously waited on the outcomes of the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan policy meetings that begin later in the session, according to Reuters.

Global markets have been blowing hot and cold in recent weeks over the Fed's intentions, not helped by both hawkish and dovish comments from several Fed officials over this period, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended flat overnight after paring intra-day gains as investors stay cautious ahead of central bank meetings in the US and Japan.

It said that earlier, European stocks gained following a rally in oil prices, according to Reuters.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 1.28 points to 1651.71 points despite a strong opening at 1661.87 points.

“Following the mixed performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain flat and consolidate above the support of 1650 points,” it said.