KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index closed lower today, in line with most regional markets, as investors adjusted their risk exposure amid spiralling oil prices driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict, now in its second month. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) retreated by 24.75 points or 1.44 per cent to 1,687.90 from Friday’s close of 1,712.65. The market bellwether opened 10.57 points weaker at 1,702.08 and fluctuated between 1,682.79 and 1,702.38. The broader market was bearish, with decliners thumping advancers 956 to 371. A total of 373 counters were unchanged, 1,042 untraded and 134 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.98 billion units worth RM4.85 billion from last Friday’s 2.97 billion units worth RM3.25 billion.
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| FBM KLCI closed down 0.67 points |
It's quite unbelievable. With the "news" of the meeting and the freeze in oil, FBM KLCI seems to have found the light at the end's tunnel but it doesn't last.
The market started on a high note, climbing to a high of 1,669.02 points in a volatile trade before closing marginally lower at 1664.32, down by 0.67 points from previous close.
The Russia and Saudi effect on oil prices doesn't last as speculation is that Iran will not join in the deal to freeze output at January levels. The oil prices dropped, reversing gains earlier in the session as the concern remains that oil's oversupply is here to stay if Iran were not part of the deal.
Brent crude was down 31 US cents at US$31.87 a barrel by 0739 GMT, after settling down US$1.21 in the previous session. It had climbed to US$32.83 a barrel in early trade on Wednesday. US crude fell 25 US cents to US$28.79 a barrel, after trading for much of the Asian session above US$29 a barrel. It ended the last session down 40 US cents.
Bursa Malaysia saw 1.75 billion shares worth RM1.62 billion traded. Gainers edge out decliners at 440 against 402.
United Plantations Bhd led decliners, while Genting Plantations Bhd led gainers. The top-active stock was Vivocom International Holdings Bhd.
The FBM KLCI's decline is in line with the region as Asian share markets were also down.
Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.36%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 1.03% while South Korea's Kospi closed 0.23% lower.

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