KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended the morning trading session with a mixed performance, influenced by selling pressure in selected counters.
At 12.30 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 1.20 points to 1,528.13 from Wednesday's close of 1,529.33.
The main index began slightly lower at 1,529.29 and fluctuated between 1,525.39 and 1,532.66 throughout the session.
Nevertheless, market breadth remained positive as gainers outnumbered losers.
On the broader market, gainers led losers in the broader market 440 to 331, while 396 counters were unchanged.
In a note today, Malacca Securities Research said the FBM KLCI turned sideways after the recent consolidation breakout.
"We believe the overall market tone is still positive and likely to head higher after the earnings season.
"Meanwhile, Wall Street rebounded significantly after the sharp sell down, led mainly by the technology sector," it added.
The firm noted that traders will be monitoring the retail sales and the US Producer Price Index (PPI) data that will be released over the next two days.
It said although the inflation data may spike, the market will be focusing on the ongoing earnings season to look for trading opportunities.