KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 ― The FBM KLCI opened higher today, lifted by buying momentum in most heavyweights, and in line with Wall Street's strong overnight performance.             

At 9.05am, the key index rose 6.74 points to 1,721.78 from yesterday's close of 1,715.04. It had opened 5.46 points better at 1,720.50.

In a research note, JF Apex Research said the FBM KLCI is expected to extend its rebound with resistance at 1,745 points today, following the positive performance in the US markets.

“US markets ended higher overnight after dovish comments by US Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairperson Janet Yellen.

“Similarly, European stocks climbed after Yellen's cautious stance following weak inflation and US consumer spending data,” it added.

 At the Economic Club of New York yesterday, Yellen said the Fed should proceed cautiously on raising interest rates on global economic uncertainty.  

On Bursa Malaysia, gainers led losers 153 to 59, while 136 counters were unchanged, 1,397 untraded and 58 others suspended.

Turnover stood at 65.66 million shares worth RM44.81 million.                  

Among heavyweights, TNB jumped 12 sen to RM14.08, CIMB gained five sen to RM4.82, Sime Darby increased six sen to RM7.95, Public Bank expanded 10 sen to RM18.82 and Maxis added three sen to RM6.34.

Of the actives, AirAsia rose three sen to RM1.80, while Nexgram, Borneo Oil and Berjaya Corp were flat at six sen, 15.5 sen and 40.5 sen respectively.

The FBM Emas Index appreciated 40.81 points to 11,933.18, the FBMT100 Index advanced 41.76 points to 11,635.57 and the FBM Emas Shariah Index advanced 40.06 points for 12,525.80.   

The FBM Ace increased 11.02 points to 5,671.35 and the FBM 70 rose 33.79 points to 13,204.27.

Sector-wise, the Plantation Index gained 1.29 points to 7,906.30, the Finance Index was up 53.84 points to 14,693.67 and the Industrial Index bagged 12.90 points for 3,291.13. ― Bernama