KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 21): The FBM KLCI got off to a subdued start this morning ahead of a holiday-shortened week.

At 9am, the FBM KLCI fell 1.98 points to 1,641.92.

The top losers included Danainfra Nasional Bhd, British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, MISC Bhd, Carlsberg Brewery (M) Holdings Bdh, DKSH (M) Holdings Bhd, Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd, Ibraco Bhd, Gamuda Bdh, Scientex Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and AMM Holdings Bhd.

Asian share markets got off to a lacklustre start on Monday following a dive on Wall Street, though losses were limited by a general lack of investor interest in a holiday-heavy week, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat, while Australia's main index eased 0.2 percent, it said.

JF Apex Securities Research in a market preview today said U.S. stocks closed sharply lower on Friday with DJIA and S&P 500 tumbled 2.10% and 1.78% respectively as market sentiment was badly affected by slide in crude oil prices.

Similarly, it said the European stocks ended lower in relation to oil prices with growing oversupply concerns.  

“Back to local market, the FBM KLCI slumped 12.62 points or 0.76% on Friday to 1643.90 points.

“Following the lackluster performance in Wall Street, the KLCI is likely to follow suit and extended its losing streak by testing our immediate support level of 1620 points,” it said.