KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): The FBM KLCI fell 0.67% at mid-morning today, weighed by losses at select blue chips in line with the weaker regional markets.

At 10.05am, the FBM KLCI lost 10.88 points to 1,626.31.

The top losers included P.I.E. Industrial Bhd, Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Bhd, Asia File Corp Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Favelle Favco Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Supermax Corporation Bhd and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.

The actively traded stocks included Nexgram Holdings Bhd, Vivocom International Holdings Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, Kanger International Bhd and Mexter Technology Bhd.

The gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, MKH Bhd, OldTown Bhd, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment Bhd, AirAsia Bhd and C.I. Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares edged down on Monday and the dollar marked fresh highs after Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen suggested that an interest rate hike could be around the corner, according to Reuters.

The U.S. central bank should raise interest rates "in the coming months" if economic growth picks up and the labour market continues to improve, Yellen said on Friday, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that while bullish technical readings may likely inspire further buying momentum in the FBM KLCI, traders are likely to stay cautious, and on 'wait and see' mode as local market is expected to remain volatile this week, ahead of the ECB interest rate decision and US economic data, which may give some clues on likelihood of US interest rate hike.

“Moreover, local earnings result jitters may weigh down on market consensus for the FBM KLCI year-end target,” it said.