KUALA LUMPUR (May 13): The FBM KLCI opened lower thuis morning in line with the back-pedalling regional markets, weighed by key blue chips.

At 9.02am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.20 points to 1,644.78.

The top losers included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Boustead Holdings Bhd, MISC Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares got off on the back foot on Friday, while the yen nursed losses as traders wagered the Bank of Japan will add to its massive stimulus before too long, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.3 percent in early trade, on track for a weekly loss of 0.4 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets were slightly lower after declines in healthcare and technology stocks as Apple shares hit their lowest since 2014. 

It said that similarly, European stocks ended lower after mixed corporate earnings, weaker oil prices and decline in mining counters.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 4.40 points to 1648.98 points to extend its rebound.

“Following the lackluster performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain range bound below the resistance level of 1665 points,” it said.