KUALA LUMPUR: Persisting tensions between Russia and the global community ate away at investors' appetite for global equities, triggering a fall in US markets overnight.

       While Bursa Malaysia was expected to rally on the positive news of the country's border reopening, the stock exchange was seen declining in early trade given the ongoing uncertainties.

       At 9.08am, the FBM KLCI was down 4.1 points to 1,583.26. There were 244 decliners compared to 114 gainers, leading to a negative market breadth.

       "Uncertainties remained on the global front as Russia threatened to halt gas contracts supply and the tension between Ukraine and Russia still persisted," said Malacca Securities Research in a report.

       The oil and gas sector was also seen retreating as US president Joe Biden announced a release of US petroleum stockpiles, which triggered a sharp fall in crude oil futures.

       With Brent crude dropping nearly 7% overnight, oil-related stocks on Bursa declined slightly with losses capped by expectations of supply conditions worsening.

       Among the heavyweights, most bank stocks were little changed but Hong Leong Bank climbed 22 sen to RM20.42 and Public Bank rose one sen to RM4.68.

       Petronas Chemicals was seen sliding six sen to RM9.54 and Press Metal retreated four sen to RM6.16.

       Pawnbroker Pappajack made its debut on the ACE-Market as was up 7.5 sen to 37.5 sen as the most actively traded counter with 119.68 million shares traded.

       Other leading actives were Vinvest up 0.5 sen to 24 sen and TWL rising 0.5 sen to 7.5 sen.