BANGKOK, Feb 12 — Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell today, with the Singapore benchmark retreating from a more than 20-month high hit in the previous session, while Malaysian power group Tenaga Nasional Bhd extended losses amid tariff reduction concerns.

The Kuala Lumpur composite index traded down 0.7 per cent, its lowest since January 30. Large cap Tenaga was down 5.1 per cent, the worst performer on the index and the most actively-traded stock by turnover.

The stock closed down three per cent yesterday after the government said it cut electricity tariff in Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah following declines in prices of feedstock and crude oil.

Data issued by Malaysia’s central bank showed the country’s economy grew a faster-than-expected 5.8 per cent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier even as falling oil prices and sluggish global demand hit exports.

Asian stocks and the euro fell today as markets erred on the side of caution over the ongoing Greek debt negotiations amid conflicting headlines on progress in the talks.

Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost almost one per cent. Jakarta composite index was a tad lower and the Thai SET index eased 0.4 per cent, trimming some of yesterday’s gain.

Broker Phillip Securities expected the Thai market to move range bound between 1,595 and 1,615 on the day. The index traded at 1,599.05.

“The Greece factor would remain a nagging headwind for the market in the near term,” the broker said.

Among outperformers, the Philippine index rose 0.4 per cent.

The Philippine central bank said after market close it kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.0 per cent today, as expected, as it forecast inflation to remain within its comfort range this year and next.

Vietnam’s benchmark VN Index edged up 0.4 per cent, with property firm HAGL attracting funds following a plan to establish a venture with a Singaporean company. — Reuters