KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed in the red at midday today, mirroring the mostly weaker regional market performance after US consumer price index (CPI) data rose 2.6 per cent in October, signalling slower progress in lowering inflation.
At 12.30pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) ) declined 4.11 points or 0.26 per cent to 1,607.39 from yesterday's close of 1,611.50.
The benchmark index started the day 3.39 points higher at 1,614.89 and hovered between 1,606.51 and 1,615.84 throughout the morning session.
Market breadth was negative as decliners led gainers 450 to 410, while 474 counters were unchanged, 1,120 untraded and 21 suspended.
Turnover stood at 1.91 billion shares valued at RM1.18 billion.
Maybank Investment Bank said the FBM KLCI index fell into the red after an attempt to continue yesterday's positive close.
The broader market remained mixed on news, with some moves seen in tech, where VSTECS Bhd gained on a surge in profit.
Meanwhile, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd contributed to the energy sector index's boost today following an award of two pan-Malaysia services contracts.
The research firm added that Sunway Construction Group Bhd lifted the construction index, possibly riding off anticipation of Sunway Bhd's 3Q24 earnings.