KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 2): The FBM KLCI slipped in eearly trade today in line with the dip at most regional markets.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI was down 0.41 points to 1,665.30.

The top losers included Shell Refining Company (Federation of Malaya) Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, IJM Plantations Bhdm PPB Group Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, CB Industrial Product Bhd, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd, Keck Seng (Malaysia) Bhd and Gas Malaysia Bhd.

Asian stocks dipped early on Monday following lacklustre Chinese data out over the weekend, while the dollar remained on the defensive against the yen after the Bank of Japan's decision to hold policy steady favoured the Japanese currency, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.1 percent, while Australian shares dipped 0.5 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US equities were lower on Friday following uninspiring quarterly results and cautious mood ahead of this week's jobs data.

Meanwhile, it said European markets were mixed amid weaker corporate earnings.

“Back home, the FBM KLCI shed 1.27 points to 1665.71 points.

“Following the lackluster performance in Wall Street, we expect the FBM KLCI to trend sideways above the support level of 1640 points,” it said.