KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed the midday session lower, with declines in utilities, property, and energy sectors.
At 12:30 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell by 0.18 per cent, down 2.98 points to 1,645.72, compared with Monday's closing of 1,648.70.
The broader market was also negative, with losers outnumbering gainers 667 to 365, and 440 stocks remaining unchanged.
Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd noted that following Wall Street's positive performance overnight, buying interest is expected to increase locally.
It said IJM Corporation Bhd's acquisition of a data centre project could enhance sentiment in the Construction, Property, Building Materials, and Utilities sectors.
"Banking stocks may continue their upward trend due to stronger earnings, while the stronger ringgit should benefit Consumer and Shipping stocks in general," the firm added.
In the commodity markets, Brent oil continued to decline due to persistent concerns about weak demand from China, while gold stayed above US$2,500 as expectations of a potential rate cut lingered.
Meanwhile, crude palm oil (CPO) prices fluctuated around RM3,700.