KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended the day flat, reflecting a lack of investor interest amid concerns about US economic growth and its potential impact on the global economy.
Regional markets followed suit, declining after weak US economic data raised worries that the Federal Reserve may be falling behind in supporting the world's largest economy.
At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dropped 0.10 per cent, losing 1.63 points to 1,651.49, compared to Friday's close of 1,653.12.
The broader market was down, with losers outnumbering gainers by 738 to 332, while 440 counters remained unchanged.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said the benchmark index trended in a tight range as investors remained cautious and reluctant to take long positions due to high volatility in global equities.
He said the FBM KLCI is likely to stay in a consolidation phase for the time being until new catalysts arise.
"Despite this short-term consolidation, the longer-term trend remains upward as the index still holds above the 50-day exponential moving average.
"Therefore, we anticipate the index to fluctuate within the 1,650-1,670 range for the week with immediate resistance at 1,680 and support at 1,645," he added.