KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 16): The FBM KLCI remained in positive territory at the midday break on Monday but pared some of its gains as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the extended weekend for the Chinese New Year holidays.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI rose 4.65 points to 1,805.60. The index had earlier risen to its intra-morning high of 1,807.36.

The top gainers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Panasonic Malaysia Manufacturing Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Far East Corporation Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd and Carlsberg Brewery (M) Bhd.

The actives included Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd, Asia Bio Energy Technologies Bhd, Kronologi Asia Bhd, KNM Group Bhd, TH Heavy Engineering Bhd, Sumatec Resources Bhd, Icon Offshore Bhd and Mitrajaya Holdings Bhd.

The top losers included LPI Capital Bhd, Gas Malaysia Bhd, DKSH Holdings Bhd, MISC Bhd, Pintaras Jaya Holdings Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd.

At the regional markets, Japanese shares touched an eight-year high on Monday following a record close on Wall Street, with investors cautiously optimistic the European Union would make progress this week on a debt deal with Greece, according to Reuters.

Oil prices faded after an early spurt, while the major currencies stayed locked in recent tight ranges, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said it anticipated profit-taking ahead of long Chinese New Year holidays.

“Weekly trading range: 1793-1820,” it said.