KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): The FBM KLCI opened lower this morning as some mild profit taking ahead of the extended weekend for the Lunar New Year holidays halted its uptrend despite the gains at regional markets.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI dipped 1.87 points to 1,654.90.

The early decliners included PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Alliance Financial Group Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Bhd and Genting Bhd.

Asian equities edged up on Friday, taking early inspiration from an overnight rise on Wall Street, while the dollar wobbled ahead of the closely watched U.S. jobs report, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan crept up 0.1 percent. The index was on track to end the week 0.3 percent lower, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended slightly higher despite lower productivity data and falling oil prices.

Meanwhile, it said European stocks were mixed as rally in mining companies offset concerns on oil prices, quarterly earnings and global economic growth.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI surged 23.47 points to 1656.77 points.

“Following the mixed performance on Wall Street and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to hover above the support of 1645 points,” it said.