Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
The FBM KLCI edged marginally higher at midday, gaining just 0.58 points to 1,737.29 as traders adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of Middle East developments and a fresh wave of corporate earnings.
Malaysia's stock market fell to a 10-day low as crude oil surged past US$100 per barrel on Middle East conflict concerns, prompting investors to abandon equities and reassess their portfolios.
The FBM KLCI broke through the 1,700 psychological barrier, gaining 14.72 points to reach 1,713.16 as Malaysian banks and PETRONAS subsidiaries surged, defying regional market weakness tied to Gulf tensions and rising crude prices.