KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended the morning trading session in the red, dragged by profit-taking as markets reacted to the recent US corporate earning reports.
At 12.30pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined 0.61 per cent or 10.15 points to 1,631.82, from Tuesday's close of 1,641.97.
The benchmark index started the day at 1,643.80, up 1.83 points, and fluctuated between a low of 1,630.14 and a high of 1,643.80 during the session.
On the broader market, decliners led gainers 658 to 255, while 419 counters remained unchanged.
Turnover was at 1.46 billion units, valued at RM1.08 billion.
In a note today, Malacca Securities Research said local stocks traded mixed, despite both the FBM KLCI and FBM Small Cap rebounded ahead of the tabling of 2025 Budget.
The firm added that with the weaker ringgit position, traders are likely to shift their focus toward export-oriented sectors such as gloves and technology.
"Investors may further add exposure to sectors that could benefit from the budget, including construction, property, building materials, and utilities.
"Besides, some plantation and finance stocks with attractive dividend yields may appeal to those seeking defensive plays," it said.
Looking ahead, the firm said traders are expected to closely monitor upcoming economic data, including US core retail sales, US jobs data, and China's gross domestic product (GDP).