KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 2): The FBM KLCI kicked off November on a muted tone and looked set to close lower today in line with the weaker regional markets.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI dipped 2.56 points to 1,663.15.

The top losers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery (M) Holdings Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, PPB Group Bhd and Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd.

The actively traded stocks included Idimension Consolidated Bhd, XOX Bhd. RGB International Bhd, Instacom Group Bhd, Trive Property Group Bhd, AirAsia Bhd and APFT Bhd.

The gainers included Lay Hong Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, SHH Resources Holdings Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, Can-One Bhd and Pestech International Bhd.

Asian stocks slid on Monday after soft Chinese factory surveys stoked global growth concerns, while the dollar edged back against the safe-haven yen as risk appetite waned, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.6 percent, it said.

BIMB Securities Research said key regional markets ended mostly lower on profit takings as most markets saw their biggest monthly rise since January 2012.

Locally, it said the FBM KLCI lost 1.27 points or 0.08% to 1,665.71, dragged down mainly by banking and plantation counters.

“Trading participation saw net selling by foreign institutions and local retail while local institutions were net buyers.

“We expect the local market to remain sideways due to lack of fresh catalysts with the index hovering around 1,660-1,670,” it said.