KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed the midday session mixed, with interest in financial services and plantation sectors pushing the key index into positive territory.
As of 12:30 PM, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 0.20 per cent, gaining 3.22 points to reach 1,619.65, up from Monday's closing figure of 1,616.43.
However, the broader market showed a negative trend, with decliners outnumbering advancers at 443 to 388, while 451 stocks remained unchanged.
Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd said given the weaker ringgit environment, trading sentiment may favour export-driven sectors like gloves and technology.
They said consumer products and industrial products & services may see moderate gains.
"In line with the surge in commodity prices, sectors such as oil and gas (O&G), plantation, and gold-related industries are likely to gain momentum in the near term," it said.