Asian markets, KLCI battered as ringgit slumps

A general view shows electronic boards displaying stock movements at Bursa Malaysia on Monday. The ringgit continued its decline in early trade, breaching the 4.25 level to the US dollar for the first time since the Asian financial crisis 17 years ago. EPA

At 5pm, the FBM KLCI was down 42.53 points or 2.7% to 1,532.14 – the lowest since May 2012. Turnover was 2.58 billion shares valued at RM2.49bil. Decliners hammered advancers 941 to 100 while 155 counters were unchanged.

Foreign funds were again net sellers at –RM378.74mil on Monday.