KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI declined over morning trade in line with most Asian markets as the weak investor sentiment continued to spur selling in equities while the extended holiday weekend in many major markets kept trading subdued.

       At 12.30pm, the key index was down 4.9 points to 1,584.11. The overall market was negative with 489 decliners compared to 260 gainers.

       The retreat was led by the financial services sector with Hong Leong Bank dropping 24 sen to RM20.44, Public Bank falling two sen to RM4.65 and Maybank sliding one sen to RM8.78.

       Sime Darby Plantation continued to retrace its recent losses, gaining nine sen to RM5.16.

       Meanwhile, consumer counters were also on the decline.

       F&N dropped 62 sen to RM22.86, Carlsbers slid 48 sen to RM21.10 and Heineken shed 29 sne to RM23.56.

       Top actives were Cengild up 10.5 sen to 43.5 sen, Technax rising 0.5 sen to 10 sen and China Ouhua Winery losing 0.5 sen to seven sen.

       in major Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei lost 1.5%, South Korea's Kospi gained 0.1% and China's composite index fell 0.8%.

       Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Australia's ASX200 remained closed for the Easter holiday.