KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 4): The FBM KLCI fell 0.83% in early trade today on profit taking as regional markets edged lower.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI lost 14.36 points to 1,729.83.

The top losers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Axiata Group Bhd, Maxis Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Genting Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd, DiGi.Com Bhd and RHB Capital Bhd.

Asian shares edged lower on Tuesday after downbeat economic data pressured Wall Street ahead of key US jobs data later this week that could provide a key clue to the timing of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate increase, according to Reuters.

Crude oil prices stabilised after plunging overnight, with US crude adding about 0.6% to $45.42 a barrel. Brent gained 0.4% to $49.73 after skidding 5% to six-month lows, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets declined following lower oil price and global growth concerns.

Meanwhile, it said European stocks gained amid flat manufacturing data and Greece's 16% slump.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI surged 21.05 points to 1,744.19 points following a last minute surge.

“Following the rally in the past two days, we expect profit taking to kick in.

“Market direction could depend on key interest rate decision by central banks in India and Australia,” it said.