KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 25): The FBM KLCI settled down 1.38 points or 0.09% at Bursa Malaysia's afternoon break today amid Brexit uncertainties and as investors anticipated US and Japan interest rate decisions next week.

At 12:30pm today, the KLCI settled lower at 1,569.73 after rising to its highest so far today at 1,573.15. Across Bursa, top decliners included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and ViTrox Corp Bhd.

TA Securities Holdings Bhd research head Kaladher Govindan told theedgemarkets.com that market sentiment has been weak today amid global uncertainties and as investors anticipated the US interest rate decision on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct 29 and 30).

"Market so far is still lackluster because of global uncertainty," Kaladher said.

Globally, Reuters reported that Asian shares wobbled on Friday as investors were reluctant to make big bets ahead of key central bank policy meetings next week against the backdrop of slowing global growth, while sterling extended its slide on a fresh bout of Brexit anxiety.

It was reported that the major focus for investors is next week's US Federal Reserve policy meeting at which it's almost certain to cut interest rates for a third time this year.

"The Bank of Japan is also set to meet for a two-day meeting ending Oct 31. The decision is expected to be a close call, though sources told Reuters the BOJ is leaning towards keeping monetary policy steady amid relatively stable markets and a lull in US-China trade tensions," the newswire said.

In Malaysia today, investors are looking ahead to an extended weekend in conjunction with Deepavali, which falls on Sunday (Oct 27).

Bursa said in a statement the bourse regulator and operator will be closed on Monday (Oct 28) in lieu of Deepavali celebrations, which fall on Sunday. "Bursa Malaysia and its subsidiaries will resume operations on Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019," it said.