KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 15): The FBM KLCI paused in early trade this morning in line with the weaker start at most regional markets.

At 9.02am, the FBM KLCI fell 2.84 points to 1,681.31.

The early decliners included Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Maxis Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd and Axiata Group Bhd.

Asian shares inched back from one-year peaks on Monday after Japanese data showed the world's third largest economy hit an air pocket last quarter, while oil prices held onto their recent gains as markets globally made a slow start to the week, according to Reuters.

The Nikkei eased 0.3 percent as Japan's economic growth effectively stalled in the second quarter on weak exports and business investment, underlining the need for more stimulus, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended lower on Friday and came off record highs after disappointing retail sales data.

It said that similarly, European stocks were pressured led by mining counters despite higher oil price.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 5.35 points to 1684.15 points.

“Following the negative equity performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could take a breather after last week's surge which saw it test the resistance of 1685 points,” it said.