KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 14): The FBM KLCI opened lower this morning as regional markets skidded in line with the overnight slump at Wall Street.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.01 points to 1,638.53.

The top losers included PPB Group Bhd, Southern Acids Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, Malaysian Paccific Industries Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Bhd, Can-One Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd and Public Bank Bhd.

Asian shares skidded on Thursday, taking their cue from steep losses on Wall Street as an overnight rout in oil prices heightened worries about the global economy, according to Reuters.

U.S. crude prices were up 0.8 percent at $30.72 a barrel, but still not far from Tuesday's nadir of $29.93, which was its lowest level since December 2003. Global benchmark Brent settled down 1.8 percent on Wednesday at $30.31 a barrel, after falling as low as $29.96. That marked its first move below $30 a barrel since April 2004, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets tumbled over 2% after report of higher US oil inventory.

It said that earlier, European equities ended mixed amid renewed pressure on oil price and concern on China's economic growth.

“On the local bourse, the FBM KLCI added 1.17 points to 1642.54 points after trading in a narrow range of 6 points.

“Following the bearish performance in the US, the FBM KLCI could decline today towards the support of 1620 points,” it said.