KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 10): The FBM KLCI tracked regional markets and fell in early trade, dragged by losses at key index-linked stocks including Public Bank Bhd, Axiata Group Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI fell 2.13 points to 1,560.58.

The top losers in early trade included PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Public Bank, Revenue Group Bhd, Carimin Petroleum Bhd, Axiata and CIMB.

Bloomberg said Asian stocks looked set to dip Tuesday as investors turned cautious ahead of the week’s potential catalysts, from central bank meetings to a looming tariff deadline. Yields on 10-year Treasuries edged lower.

It said futures slipped in Japan and Hong Kong. Australia opened slightly weaker. S&P 500 futures were flat after the benchmark ended at session lows in below-average volumes as investors awaited news on whether Washington will go ahead with a planned Dec. 15 tariff hike. European stocks retreated.

The dollar was lower against major peers. Oil was steady near the highest close since September, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US markets declined overnight as investors took profit from record high levels.

It said similarly, European stocks tumbled following weaker Chinese export data.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI dropped 5.73 points to 1562.71 points.

“Following the bearish performances in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could trend lower towards the support of 1,550 points,’ it said.