KUALA LUMPUR (June 24): The  FBM KLCI opened flat this morning with a downward bias seen this morning in line with regional markets following stronger than expected showing for the “Leave” vote in the UK referendum on whether or not to stay in the European Union.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI edegd up 0.04 points to 1,640.02.

The early gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, MISC Bhd, Versatile Creative Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd and Berjaya Auto Bhd.

Sterling sank and safe-haven bonds jumped in wild Asian trade on Friday as early results from the UK's vote on European Union membership showed the "Leave" camp holding the lead, sparking a wave of profit-taking across risk assets, according to Reuters.

Sterling collapsed as far as $1.4300 at one stage, having earlier stretched to a high for the year at $1.5022. It was last at around $1.4550 in roller coaster trade, its biggest intraday fall since May 2010, and there was no clear indication where it might end the day, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets jumped over 1% overnight on expectation that Britain will vote to remain in the EU.

It said that similarly, European stocks rallied as British voters decide on EU membership.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 2.29 points to 1639.98 points.

“Following the bullish performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to extend its rebound with support and resistance at 1610 points and 1665 points respectively,” it said.