KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): The FBM KLCI edged up in early trade on Monday in line with the cautious uptrend at regional markets following the Greek debt deal.

At 9.03am, the FBM KLCI added 1.49 points to 1,809.36.

The top gainers included Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, VS Industry Bhd. Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd, IHH Healthcare Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Boustead Holdings Bhd, Petronas Dagangan Bhd and DiGi.Com Bhd.

Stock markets and the euro started the week on a cautious note on Monday as a Greek debt deal struck last week remained in the balance until Athens drew up a list of reforms to satisfy its creditors, according to Reuters.

Although an initial relief over the last-minute deal boosted Wall Street shares to record highs late on Friday, Asian markets saw little follow-up buying, it said.

BIMB Securities Research in a market preview Monday said that in Asia, stocks were also broadly firmer last week underpinned by improved sentiments and some inflow of foreign funds.

Locally, it said the FBM KLCI closed 2.22 points lower at 1,807.87 ahead of the 2-day break for the Lunar New Year celebration.

“Nonetheless, some foreign participation were detected on the shortened trading day on Wednesday with a net foreign inflow of RM9.1 million.

“We expect the local bourse to trend higher today in line with the improved buying sentiments with the 1,810/20 as the immediate resistance levels,” it said.