KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): The FBM KLCI opened lower this morning in line with consolidating regional markets, but is seen trending higher later.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI fell 3.46 points to 1,721.29.

The top losers included Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd.

Asian shares consolidated their gains on Wednesday, shaking off earlier losses following attacks on the airport and a rush-hour metro train in Brussels as investors look to a brightening global economic picture, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.2 percent but clung near 3 1/2-month high hit earlier this week while Japan's Nikkei inched up 0.1 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended flat despite opening lower after bomb attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

Similarly, it said that European stocks recovered from intraday losses to close mixed after the bombing of Belgium's capital.

“On the local bourse, the FBM KLCI gained 6.39 points to 1724.75 points following a last minute spike.

“Following the negative news from Belgium, the FBM KLCI could retrace downwards with immediate support at 1710 points,” it said.