KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 30): The FBM KLCI got off to a lacklustre start this morning in line with the muted regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI was up 0.07 points to 1,667.05.

The early gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd, Genting Bhd and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd.

Asian shares were down on Friday and on track for a weekly loss as investors grappled with the prospect of higher borrowing costs in the United States, as the Federal Reserve prepares to raise rates amid the backdrop of slowing global growth, according to Reuters.

Data released overnight showed U.S. gross domestic product increased at a 1.5 percent annual rate, just shy of the consensus forecast for 1.6 percent growth and slowing from a 3.9 percent rise in the second quarter. But solid consumer spending kept alive the possibility that the Fed could deliver an interest rate increase in December, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended slightly lower overnight after US Federal Reserve's statement yesterday hinting potential interest rate hike in December.

Meanwhile, it said European equities were mixed amid corporate earnings.

“On the local bourse, the FBM KLCI plunged 19.53 points to 1666.98 points due to foreign selling.

“Following the lacklustre performance in the US, we expect the FBM KLCI to remain pressured with immediate support at 1640 points,” it said.