KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The FBM KLCI rose 0.41% this morning as gains including at Petronas counters lifted the local index, against the backdrop of mixed regional markets on optimism that the coronavirus pandemic is easing.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI rose 5.78 points to 1,377.44.  

The gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, MISC Bhd, Greatech Technology Bhd and Padini Holdings Bhd.

Bloomberg reported Asian stocks were mixed in early trading as investors scoured earnings reports for evidence of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The dollar held its retreat, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research said US markets rose overnight as the corporate results season kicked off and investor optimism that the coronavirus outbreak is easing.

It said that earlier, European stocks advanced as governments plan to lift restrictions on the coronavirus lockdown and plan exit strategies.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI rose 15.65 points to 1371.66 points.

“Following the positive performances in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI could extend its rebound towards the resistance of 1415 points,” it said.

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