KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 30): The FBM KLCI rose in volatile trade at afternoon break in line with Asian indices. Regional markets had tracked overnight gains in crude oil prices and US shares.

At 12:30pm, the KLCI gained 1.98 points or 0.11% to settle at 1,784.16. The KLCI had earlier risen to an intraday high of 1,789.39 before falling into the red for an intraday low of 1,781.29.

For comparison, Japan's Nikkei 225 added 0.77% although Hong Kong's Hang Seng erased earlier gains for a 0.15% decline.

In Malaysia, TA Securities Holdings Bhd said in a note today the overnight rebound on Wall Street and crude oil prices should cushion the lacklustre local market today.

But sentiment remained cautious ahead of the long four-day weekend break in Malaysia and on increased uncertainties in the Eurozone.

"Immediate (KLCI) resistance is revised lower to 1,790, followed by Tuesday's high of 1,810," said TA.

Malaysian markets will be closed for holidays this Monday (Feb 2) and Tuesday (Feb 3).

Today, Bursa Malaysia saw 356 gainers and 292 decliners while 305 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 946.61 million shares valued at RM871.5 million.

The top gainers included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Quality Concrete Holdings Bhd, Gopeng Bhd and UMW Holdings Bhd.

ETI Tech Corp Bhd was the most-actively traded stock with some 59 million shares done. The counter was traded unchanged at seven sen.

Top decliners included Lii Hen Industries Bhd and Amway (M) Holdings Bhd.

The ringgit traded stronger against world currencies. The ringgit strengthened versus the US dollar at 3.6250 at 12.55pm.

Compared to the Singapore dollar, the ringgit changed hands at 2.6821.