KUALA LUMPUR (May 28): The FBM KLCI is expected to extend its gains today and eye the 1,800-point level, riding on firmer crude oil prices that have stayed above US$70 per barrel.

Investors could also take heart from the explanation from finance minister Lim Guan Eng last week on the breakdown of government debts and its commitment to tackle them.

Growing expectations of increased oil supply hit crude prices on Friday, lifting the U.S. dollar and weighing on energy shares, while political upheaval in Europe and uncertainty over a U.S.-North Korea summit restrained equity markets, according to Reuters.

Brent crude futures fell $2.35, or 3 percent, to settle at $76.44 a barrel after Saudi Arabia and Russia said they were ready to ease supply curbs that have pushed prices to their highest since 2014, it said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 59.15 points, or 0.24 percent, to 24,752.61, the S&P 500 lost 6.46 points, or 0.24 percent, to 2,721.3 and the Nasdaq Composite added 9.43 points, or 0.13 percent, to 7,433.85, said Reuters.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow last Friday, stocks in focus today may include the following: IHH Healthcare Bhd, Power Root Bhd, MyEG Services Bhd, AsianPac Holdings Bhd, Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd, Brahim’s Holdings Bhd, Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd, Pestech International Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Bhd's, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd.