KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI continues its downwards momentum despite improved sentiment in global markets as investors digested the release of softer-than-expected US payrolls data.

       At 12.30pm, the key index was down 6.64 points to 1,543.26. The broader market however was positive with 420 gainers compared with 302 decliners.

       The total market volume was 1.33 billion shares traded for a value of RM782.16mil.

       Asian markets tracked US equities higher as the weaker US employment data suggest the US Federal Reserve could turn less aggressive on its monetary tightening in the months ahead.

       Japan's Nikkei gained 1.15% and South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.4% and Australia's ASX200 was up 0.8%

       China's markets were closed for a national holiday.

       Onn Bursa Malaysia, the financial services sector was down with Maybank losing four sen to RM8.90, CIMB shedding five sen to RM5.13 and Hong Leong Bank dropping 10 sen to RM21.06.

       Press Metal fell 13 sen to RM5.33 while Maxis slid nine sen to RM3.64 and MISC dropped 11 sen to RM7.17.

       Of actives, Serba Dinamik was up 1.5 sen to 12 sen, Sapura Energy was unchanged at six sen and MNC rose 0.5 sen to two sen.