KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI pared earlier losses to end in positive territory at midday but the broader market sentiment remained negative.

       At 12.30 pm, the benchmark index rose 2.55 points to 1,545.66.

       Market breadth turned negative as losers overpowered the gainers on a ratio of 479-to-382 stocks. Traded volumes stood at 3.82 billion shares valued at RM1.09bil.

       Mercury Securities expects the Malaysian stocks to decline following losses on Wall Street last Friday.

       Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd expects the FBM KLCI to face some selling pressure following a strong closing last Friday.

       “Considering the heightened market volatility, we reckon regional markets to perform similarly which could impact the local bourse’s performance.

       “Therefore, we anticipate the index to possibly trend within the 1,535-1,545 range today with some downside bias.

       “As for crude prices, Brent crude price remained elevated, hovering close to the US$82 per barrel,” it said.

       On Bursa Malaysia, KESM added 32 sen to RM12.92, Aeon Credit rose 30 sen to RM15.22 and Woodlandor jumped 29 sen to RM1.19.

       Hartalega rose 18 sen to RM6.03, Hong Leong Bank gained 18 sen to RM19.30 and Press Metal advanced 13 sen to RM5.88.

       On the other hand, MPI tumbled 92 sen to RM47.70, UWC fell 27 sen to RM5.68 and Greatech lost 23 sen to RM6.35.