KUALA LUMPUR: A continuation of profit-taking activities could keep the domestic market in consolidation above the 1,400 psychological support.

       At the opening bell, the benchmark FBM KLCI was up 1.44 points to 1,407.54 as investors tracked the positive performance on Wall Street amid strong corporate earnings results.

       Malacca Securities Research anticipates that investors could be taking the opportunity to retreat to the sidelines ahead of the mid-week holiday break.

       Nevertheless, rotational play and the improved market sentiment may ensure the upward momentum on the lower liners to sustain overtime.

       "Technical indicators stayed positive as the MACD histogram formed another positive bar, while the RSI hovered above 50.

       "Should the 1,400 remain sustainable, the next resistance will be envisaged along 1,430-1,450 while the support is pegged around 1,370," it said.

       On external developments, the research firm said the ongoing batch of corporate earnings in the US as well as several key economic data such as retail sales, industrial production and manufacturing production numbers will be in focus.

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       On the blue-chip index, Maybank fell three sen to RM8.82 while CIMB dipped two sen to RM5.27 and Hong Leong Bank shed two sen to RM18.98.

       Gainers included IHH up six sen to RM5.86, Press Metal rising six sen to RM4.88 and Kuala Lumpur Kepong up 16 sen to RM22.86.

       Taking a step back after the previous day's rally, technology stocks in the red included Vitrox down 11 sen to RM8.40, Unisem falling six sen to RM3.56 and D&O shedding three sen to RM4.10.

       Top actives were Classita up three sen to 25.5 sen, ASB rising one sen to 17.5 sen and Tanco adding 0.5 sen to 56 sen.