KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): The FBM KLCI opened lower today in line with the decline at most regional markets as falling oil prices continued to drag down energy stocks.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI shed 2.05 points to 1,667.19.

The top losers included MISC Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment Bhd and Westports Holdings Bhd.

Asian stock markets risked slipping to two-month lows on Wednesday as crumbling oil prices took a toll on energy and resource shares, with cooling demand from China putting more pressure on resources-reliant economies, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat but stood barely above its November trough, a break of which would take it to its lowest level since early October, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended lower yesterday after oil price dropped further and China's softer trade data.

Similarly, it said European equities closed lower as mining stocks declined.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 2.76 points to 1669.24 points.

“Following the bearish performance in the US and faltering oil prices, we expect the FBM KLCI to be negative with immediate support at 1645 points,” it said.