KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI erased some of its earlier losses as the domestic market was supported by rising commodities prices amid growing tensions over potential armed conflict in Ukraine.

       At 12.30pm, the key index was down 3.62 points to 1,579.07, off its morning low off 1,567.19.

       Energy and commodities plays were seen regaining their composure after a bout of profit-taking in the early session.

       Press Metal was up 17 sen to RM6.82 while Petronas Chemicals gained two sen to RM9.14.

       In plantations, Kuala Lumpur Kepong rose 48 sen to RM25.68, IOI added four sen to RM4.46 and Sime Darby Plantation gained nine sen to RM4.67.

       Bank however remained in the red led by Maybank down nine sen to RM8.71, Public Bank down one sen to RM4.36, CIMB sliding three sen to RM5.54 and Hong Leong Bank dropping six sen to RM19.94.

       Technology stocks continued to retreat in line with the Nasdaq. MPI fell 90 sen to RM34.80, Vitrox slipped 29 sne to RM7.46 and D&O dropped 18 sen to RM4.55.

       Most active counters were Ta Win down 1.5 sen to 16.5 sen, DNeX sliding three sen to RM1.15 and AT Systemization falling 0.5 sen to 2.5 sen.

       In major Asian markets, the rout continued amid the prospects of all-out war in Ukraine as RUssia moved its troops into the Eastern breakaway region of the country.

       Japan's Nikkei fell 2.1%, South Korea's Kospi slid 1.8% and China's down 1.4%.

       Hong Kong's Hang Seng dove 3% while Australia's ASX200 shed 1.2%.