KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI retraced some of its recent losses as investors picked up bargains even as the US Federal Reserve decision on higher interest rates loomed.

       At 12.30pm, the benchmark index was up 9.82 points to 1,518.73.

       Banks bouncing higher included Maybank up seven sen to RM8.30, Public Bank gaining four sen to RM4.22 and Hong Leong Bank climbing 16 sen to RM19.32.

       Tenaga Nasional rose five sen to RM9.11, Press Metal gained four sen to RM6.04 and Petronas Chemicals was up five sne to RM8.95.

       On the broader markets, gainers outpaced decliners 482 to 260.

       Top actives were Coraza up 6.5 sen to 87.5 sen, DNex rising 3.5 sen to 89.5 sen and SMTrack dropping one sen to 18 sen.

       Equities markets were seen rising around the region as investors cautiously picked up oversold counters even as they awaited the outcome of the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting.

       Japan's Nikkei fell 0.1%, South Korea's Kospi rose 0.2%, China's key index gained 0.1% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2%.

       Australia's stock exchange meanwhile was closed for a national holiday.