KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20): The FBM KLCI fell 0.96% at mid-morning today as regional markets remained pressured.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI lost 15.09 points to 1,567.35.

The top losers included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, MS Malaysia Holdings Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd and Hong Leong Industries Bhd.

The top actives included AirAsia X Bhd, Xidelang Holdings Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, The Media Shoppe Bhd, Genetec Technology Bhd, Bumi Armada Bhd and IFCA MSC Bhd.

The gainers included Pharmaniaga Holdings Bhd, Jobstreet Corporation Bhd, Tasco Bhd, NCB Holdings Bhd and Country Heights Holdings Bhd.

Concerns about slowing growth in China pressured Asian shares and oil prices, while minutes from the US Federal Reserve's July meeting dented expectations for a rate hike in mid-September, according to Reuters.

Japan's Nikkei fell 0.3% in early trade while MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was almost flat, barely holding above its two-year low hit on Wednesday for now, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that in the short term, the FBM KLCI will remain choppy, given the bearish sentiment primarily due to plunging oil prices and lingering domestic concerns.

“For a resumption of rally from 1,563, the FBM KLCI must swiftly reclaim key resistances at 1,605–1,632 levels as a failure to do so will reignite another round of down leg towards 1,526 zones,” it said.