KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 4): The FBM KLCI retreated at the midday break, in line with slump at most regional markets.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was down 3.86 points to 1,792.44. The index had earlier risen to a high of 1,798.24.

Losers led gainers by 466 to 239, while 1,168 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.16 billion shares valued at RM1.04 billion.

The losers included KESM Industries Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd, Rapid Synergy Bhd, Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd.

The actives included Sapura Energy Bhd, K1-Star Sports Ltd, Nova MSC Bhd, Orion IXL Bhd, My EG Services Bhd, Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd and Priceworth International Bhd.

The gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Alcom Group Bhd, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd and Pestech International Bhd.

Reuters reported that most Southeast Asian stock markets slumped on Thursday as positive economic data drove US Treasury yields up and raised the chances of a December rate hike, sending jitters through the region.

Shares in Indonesia and Singapore plunged to their lowest in nearly four weeks and one week, respectively, it said.

Affin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI Index little changed (down 1.85 points) last session.

"Market sentiments remain muted — may be due to investors being cautious over US-China trade developments.

"The FBM KLCI Index may experience normal consolidation in the near term," it said.