KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia started on a slightly negative tone after the US markets dove overnight on hawkish comments from a senior Federal Reserve official.

       At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI was down 0.3 point to 1,596.49 while the broader market registered 208 decliners compared to 112 gainers.

       "Global sentiment may stay fragile amid concerns over more hawkish stance of the US Federal Reserve’s action to tame inflation.

       "Also, we expect the unresolved tension between Russia and Ukraine could limit the upside potential over the near term," said Malacca Securities Research in a note.

       However, it said the reopening of Malaysia's travel borders could continue to benefit the economy while investors could position themselves ahead of GE15, despite an uncertain timeline.

       In the financial services sector, Maybank rose five se to RM8.91, Public Bank gained one sne to RM4.71, CIMB added five sen to RM5.33 and Hong Leong Bank was unchanged at RM20.10.

       Axiata slipped one sen to RM3.72, Nestle fell 50 sne ot RM134.30 and IHH was down one sne to RM6.24.

       Following the rout on the Nasdaq overnight, local tech stocks were similarly downbeat with MPI falling RM1.10 to RM36.02, Vitrox sliding 14 sen to RM8.13 and D&O shedding nine sen to RM4.64.