KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18): The FBM KLCI fell 0.66% at midday break, as new tariffs announced by Washington on Chinese imports rattled regional markets.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI lost 11.76 points to 1,792.00. The index had earlier slipped to its intra-morning low of 1,788.52.

Losers led gainers 571 to 171, while 1,143 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 946.86 million shares, valued at RM747.88 million.

Top losers included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd, Padini Holdings Bhd, United Plantations Bhd, Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, LPI Capital Bhd and Atlan Holdings Bhd.

The actives included Sapura Energy Bhd, Priceworth International Bhd, Nova MSC  Bhd, My EG Services Bhd, QES Group Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, Ucrest Bhd and WCT Holdings Bhd.

Gainers included Petronas Gas Bhd, MI Equipment Holdings Bhd, Versatile Creative Group Bhd, Selangor Properties Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Sui Wah Corp Bhd, Hartalega Holdings Bhd and WCT.

Asian shares fell and copper prices eased on Tuesday, after Washington announced new tariffs on Chinese imports, inflaming trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies, according to Reuters.

U.S. stock futures took a knock as well, with E-Minis for S&P 500 and the Dow Minis both down 0.2%, Reuters said.

Affin Hwang Capital Research said the FBM KLCI continued to gain on Friday (up 11.16 points).

“Technical indicators on the daily chart are showing early signs of reversal upwards. Moving forward, anticipate prices to remain supported above 50% Fib level;

“The FBM KLCI Index may experience downward bias in the near-term,” the research house said.