KUALA LUMPUR (March 24): The FBM KLCI pared some of its losses at mid-morning todaty but sentiment remained wary.

At 10.01am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.59 points to 1,719.96. The index had earlier dipped to a low of 1,714.21.

The top losers included Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery (M) Holdings Bhd, Tasek Corporation Bhd and Scientex Bhd.

The actives included EKA Noodles Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd. JAG Bhd, Sumatex Resources Bhd, Minetech Resources Bhd, Sunzen Corporation Bhd and Borneo Oil Bhd.

The gainers included Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Apex Healthcare Bhd and Sasbadi Holdings Bhd.

The dollar rose for a fifth straight session on Thursday, pressuring commodities and Asian share markets after yet another Federal Reserve official talked up the chances of more than one increase in U.S interest rates this year, according to Reuters.

If the dollar can keep its footing it will notch up the first weekly gain in a month against a basket of major currencies, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said the FBM KLCI was still on course to retest its envisaged 1727-1744 upside targets.

“Nonetheless, cautious sentiment arising from rising geopolitical risks (after the Brussels deadly bomb attacks), more hawkish comments from Fed officials and potential of ST consolidation in Ringgit and oil prices may cap further the FBM KLCI rally.

“Weekly supports are 1690-1700,” it said.