KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 15): The FBM KLCI extended its loss in early trade Wednesday, in line with the muted start at regional markets, dragged by losses including at Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd and IHH Healthcare Bhd.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI fell 1.22 points to 1,579.38.

The early decliners included Nestle (M) Bhd, Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas, Tenaga Nasional, Sime Darby Plantations Bhd, IHH Healthcare, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd and TH Plantations Bhd.

Bloomberg said stocks in Asia were set for a muted start Wednesday as investors assessed a report that tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods will likely stay in place until after the presidential election. U.S. stocks edged lower with Treasury yields.

Futures were flat in Japan and Australia and nudged higher in Hong Kongr. The S&P 500 Index slipped after rising to an intraday record high earlier in Tuesday's session. While positive results from big banks had pushed prices higher, concerns remain about progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Treasuries climbed after a gauge of underlying inflation rose less than forecast, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US markets ended mixed overnight amid gains in financial counters as the US and China prepares to sign phase one of the trade deal later today.

It said earlier, European stocks closed slightly higher after a choppy session as China's negotiators arrive in arrived in Washington to sign the trade agreement.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 4.13 points to 1580.60 points.

“Following the mixed performances in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could remain lacklustre with support at 1570 points,” it said.