KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): The FBM KLCI opened lower this morning as Petronas-linked stocks and select blue chips dipped despite the uptick at most regional markets.

At 9.03am, the FBM KLCI shed 3.24 points to 1,689.26.

The early decliners included British Americans Tobacco (M) Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Time Dotcom Bhd, Westports Holdings Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd, Alliance Financial Group Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

Asian stocks inched up on Wednesday, reflecting hopes that upcoming U.S. and Japanese central bank policy meetings could benefit risk assets, while crude oil prices hovered near 2016 highs, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.1 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets were mixed as the Dow and S&P posted slight gains while the Nasdaq declined after Apple shares dropped 1%.

It said that similarly, European stocks were mixed as investors wait for the outcome of meetings of the US Federal Reserve today and Bank of Japan tomorrow.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI plunged 22.01 points to 1692.50 points.

“Following the mixed performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could consolidate above the support of 1688 points,” it said.