KUALA LUMPUR (May 19): The FBM KLCI fell 0.84% in early trade today weighed by index-linked banking and Petronas-related stocks, in line with the retreat at regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBMKLCI lost 13.57 points to 1,622.15.

The top losers included Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd, Genting Bhd, RHB Capital Bhd and Petronas Chemicals Grup Bhd.

Asian stocks slipped but the dollar was buoyant early on Thursday as markets scrambled to factor in a near-term U.S. interest rate hike foreshadowed in minutes of the Federal Reserve's last monetary meeting, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.3 percent. South Korea's Kospi dipped 0.3 percent, it said.

JG Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended flat after surrendering earlier gains as financial counters rose after the Federal Reserve's April meeting minutes suggests an interest rate hike in June if economic data continues to improve.

It said that earlier, European stocks closed higher before the release of the Fed minutes and as oil price climbed.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI added 2.33 points to 1635.72 points.

“Following the slightly positive sentiment in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could extend its rebound with support at 1615 and resistance at 1650 points,”it said.