KUALA LUMPUR (July 24): The FBM KLCI extended its losses in early trade today in line with the lacklustre start at most regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI fell 2.43 points to 1,720.01.

The top losers included Carlsberg Brewery (M) Holdings Bhd, Time Dotcom Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Axis REIT, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd and Genting Malaysia Bhd.

Asian shares edged down in early trading on Friday, on track for a weekly loss, while U.S. jobs data underpinned the dollar as it bolstered bets that the U.S. Federal Reserve is on track to hike interest rates later this year, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down about 0.2 percent in early trading, on course for a weekly loss over 1 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets closed lower as corporate earnings from 3M, Caterpillar and the transport sector disappoint.

Similarly, it said European equities declined following mixed quarterly results and demonstrations in Greece.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI dropped 7.09 points to 1722.44 points following a last minute plunge.

“With the negative performance in the US and Europe, we expect the KLCI to remain lackluster below the resistance of 1740 points,” it said.