KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 27): The FBM KLCI remained in the negative zone at mid-morning today as the U.S. presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton kept regional markets nervy.

At 10.07am, the FBM KLCI dipped 4.99 points to 1,664.51.

The top losers at mid-morning included Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, Tek Seng Holdings Bhd, Genting Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd.

The actives included Hiap Teck Venture Bhd, Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd, Tek Seng, Vivocom Intl Holdings Bhd, Malaysia Building Society Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd.

The top gainers included Teck Guan Perdana Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Oriental Interest Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Khind Bhd, Scientex Bhd and Pestech International Bhd.

Uncertainty gripped Asian markets on Tuesday as investors braced for a potentially pivotal U.S. presidential debate by shunning stocks while favouring safe haven bonds and the yen, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.3 percent in early trade, while South Korea fell 0.6 percent, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said tracking overnight fall in Dow and uncertainty in emerging markets equities and currencies, Bursa Malaysia may encounter volatility ahead.

“However, any pullback will be cushioned by potential 3Q16 window dressing activities and pre-Budget rally coupled with ultra-low/negative interest rates environment and extended accommodative monetary policies from key global central banks.

“Immediate upside targets are 1678-1684 while supports fall on 1645-1656,” it said.