KUALA  LUMPUR (Nov 25): The FBM KLCI is expected to trend upward cautiously today and aim to close above the 1,680-point level in line with the higher overnight close at Wall Street.

However, the global geopolitical tensions arising from rising terrorist threat warnings by the US ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday as well as the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey could dampen investor sentiment.

Oil prices jumped and government debt prices edged up on Tuesday as concern about global tensions rose after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border, according to Reuters.

U.S. stocks erased early declines, ending slightly higher as energy shares rose with oil prices, it said.

Malaysian stocks could extend some gains given the penchant for year-end window dressing by institutuional investors, whilst retail investors may likely take a more cautious stance during the school holiday period.

The local market may be abuzz today with a new listing – that of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Bhd.

The Sabah-based consumer packaged goods manufacturer and distributor is seeking to raise RM21.3 million in its initial public offering.

Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, the companies that may be in focus today could include the following: Econpile Holdings Bhd, Icon Offshore Bhd, Parkson Holdings Bhd, WCT Holdings Bhd, Sunway Construction Group Bhd, IJM Corporation Bhd, IJM Plantations Bhd, Brahim's Holdings Bhd, Kim Teck Cheong and UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Bhd.