KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 7): The FBM KLCI slipped 0.67% at the opening bell today in line with the weaker regional markets, weighed mainly by losses at Petronas-linked stocks.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI lost 10.66 points to 1,578.50.

The top losers included Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, Far East Corporation Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd and Carlsberg Brewery (M) Holdings Bhd.

Asian stocks weakened on Monday, taking early cues from Wall Street's slide after the August jobs report failed to give a clear view on the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike, while participants also nervously awaited the restart of Chinese financial markets following the long weekend, according to Reuters.

The dollar was significantly weaker against the safe-haven yen in wake of the instability in global markets and dipped against the euro as well, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said that US market ended sharply lower after August non-farm payroll came below expectation.

Similarly, it said European stocks tumbled as US unemployment rate improved and could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rate next week.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 13.59 points to 1589.16 points.

“Following the bearish performance in the US, we expect the FBM KLCI to be negative today with support at 1560 points.

“Chinese markets reopen today after National Day holidays last week while US markets are closed today for Labour Day holiday,” it said.