KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 2): The FBM KLCI remained in negative zone at mid-morning today as index-linked plantation counters weighed on the benchmark index.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI was down 6.58 points at 1,661.22.

The top losers included Genting Plantations Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, MISC Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, Genting Bhd, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd and SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd.

The actives included AirAsia X Bhd, Compugates Holdings Bhd, XOX Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, Frontken Corporation Bhd, JAG Bhd and KNM Group Bhd.

The gainers included Nestle (M) Bhd, Lay Hong Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Scientex Bhd, Maxis Bhd and Axiata Group Bhd.

Asian shares wobbled on Tuesday as crude oil prices slid on rekindled oversupply fears and after downbeat manufacturing data raised concerns about global momentum, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.2%, while Japan's Nikkei slipped 0.7%, it said.

Hong Leong IB Research said that technically, the FBM KLCI's near-term outlook is improving amid a steady close above 1,622 levels and closing above 30-d and 50-d SMAs last Friday, supported by bullish oscillators.

"Key resistances are 1,696–1,706 while supports fall on 1,622–1,654.

"However, lower crude oil prices and long China New Year holidays may cap further upside beyond 1,700," it said.