KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI remained slightly higher at midday amid cautious buying sentiment as investors awaited reports over the health of the US economy.
Concerns about inflation in the world's biggest economy is sparking fears over interest rate hikes, even as oil prices continue to moderate amid the easing of tensions in the Middle East.
At 12.30pm, Malaysia's benchmark index was up 1.47 points to 1,665.53. YTL Power was a standout performer, surging 31 sen to RM4.49, while parent company YTL Corp rose 11 sen to RM2.15.
Despite the lagging blue chips, buying on the broader market picked up with 468 advancing issues compared to 409 declining. The trading volume was 1.42 billion shares changing hands for RM1.02bil.
The utilities sector climbed 1.62%, while technology shares rose 1.27% and industrial products gained 0.68%.
Meanwhile, the healthcare sector shed 0.38%, financial services slid 0.16% and plantations dropped 0.13%.
Top gainers in the early session included Critical Holdings, rising 32 sen to RM1.41, Ayer Holdings
jumping 20 sen to RM7.20 and F&N gaining 20 sen to RM28.12.
