KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 23): The FBM KLCI slipped in early trade today in line with the sluggish start at mosr regional markets.

At 9.01am, the FBM KLCI slipped 0.04 points to 1,661.85.

The top losers included Petronas Gas Bhd, Pintaras Jaya Bhd, DKSH (M) Holdings Bhd, Magnum Bhd, Keck Seng (Malaysia) Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, MMC Corporation Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Bhd and BIMB Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares got off to a slow start Monday as a holiday in Japan sapped liquidity, while the prospect of more policy easing in Europe kept the euro on the defensive to the benefit of the U.S. dollar, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was all but flat, while South Korea's main index gained 0.2 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended higher on Friday following gains in retail stocks.

Similarly, it said European equities high 3-month highs after dovish comments from European Central Bank indicating potential stimulus.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI added 1.83 points to 1661.89 points.

“The benchmark index lagged regional and global markets after a flattish trend last week.

“We expect the index to remain sideways with a negative bias above the immediate support of 1645 points,” it said.