KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): The FBM KLCI staged a mild technical rebound in early trade today in line with the bounce at most regional markets.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI rose 2.44 points to 1,670.31.

The top gainers included Kuala Lumpur Kepong Kepong Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Can-One Bhd, UMW Holdings Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, PPBGroup Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Asian share markets bounced on Monday after Wall Street welcomed an upbeat U.S. jobs report that suggested the world's biggest economy was well placed to handle an expected first increase in interest rates in almost a decade, according to Reuters.

Oil prices were near their lowest since 2009 in the wake of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' decision to keep production high despite depressed demand, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets rallied on Friday after stronger employment data increased the possibility of an interest rate hike this month.

Meanwhile, it said European stocks ended lower after the European Central Bank's stimulus measures came below expectation and OPEC announced it will maintain its oil production level.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI lost 6.05 points to 1667.87 points.

“Following US' bullish performance on Friday, the KLCI could stage a rebound today. The benchmark index needs to breach the 1700-point level to overturn the bearish trend,” it said.