FBM KLCI up sharply

BURSA Malaysia closed higher yesterday, boosted by gains in selected heavyweights and in line with the continued upward momentum on regional peers, dealers said.

The FBM KLCI closed at 1,779.10, up 17.34 points. Over the course of the day, the key index moved between 1,769.60 and 1,771.95 points.

Market breadth was positive with 467 gainers against 444 losers, while 392 counters were unchanged, 551 untraded and 63 suspended.

Among the heavyweights, Maybank added 1 sen to RM9.56, TNB surged 30 sen to RM15.42, Public Bank jumped 12 sen to RM28.82, while Petronas Chemicals was flat at RM7.80.

A dealer said Asian markets closed mostly higher following a rally in oil and copper prices this week, amid thin trade ahead of the New Year weekend. – Bernama