KUALA LUMPUR (May 13): The FBM KLCI slumped 0.94% at mid-morning today as regional markets bak-pedalled and key blue chips weighed.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI slumped 15.34 points to 1,633.64.

The top losers included Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, MISC Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd and Genting Bhd.

The actives included Vivocom International Holdings Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, Sumatexc Resources Bhd, CIMB, Bumi Armada Bhd and SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd.

The top gainers included Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, Hong Leong Industries Bhd, SAM Engineering & Equipment Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, Focus Lumber Bhd and Padini Holdings Bhd.

Asian shares got off on the back foot on Friday, while the yen nursed losses as traders wagered the Bank of Japan will add to its massive stimulus before too long, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.3 percent in early trade, on track for a weekly loss of 0.4 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research  said US markets were slightly lower after declines in healthcare and technology stocks as Apple shares hit their lowest since 2014. 

It said that similarly, European stocks ended lower after mixed corporate earnings, weaker oil prices and decline in mining counters.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI gained 4.40 points to 1648.98 points to extend its rebound.

“Following the lackluster performance in the US and Europe, the FBM KLCI is expected to remain range bound below the resistance level of 1665 points,” it said.