KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed in the red at lunch break as cautious sentiment persisted.
At 12.30pm, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI dropped 3.41 points or 0.24 per cent to 1,438.73 versus Tuesday's close of 1,442.14.
The key index, which opened 0.97 points easier at 1,441.17, moved between 1,436.70 and 1,441.59 levels in the morning session.
The broader market was also negative with decliners surpassing gainers 480 to 237 while 400 counters remained unchanged.
The index board is also a sea of red with FBM100 dropping 0.34 per cent to 10,280.39, FBM Emas shed 0.35 per cent to 10,601.65 and FBM Ace dropped 0.11 per cent to 5,011.72.
Hong Leong Investment Bank said it remained optimistic that the residual upward strength from 1,412 may continue, lifting Bursa to retest 1,451 and 1,465 levels after a brief profit-taking consolidation.
"Conversely, a fall below these supports would endure a deeper consolidation towards 1,412 and 1,400 territory," it said in a report.
Of the actives, Sedania Innovator Bhd added three sen to 21.5 sen and Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd gained half a sen to 55.5 sen.
On the losing end, Salutica Bhd lost 7.5 sen to 94.5 sen.