KUALA LUMPUR (March 15): The FBM KLCI is expected to continue trending sideways today, with its hurdle at 1,729 points, in line with the mixed overnight close at most global markets, underpinned by falling crude oil prices. Falling oil prices weighed on energy shares on Tuesday in the wake of a report of rising crude stocks, while the U.S. dollar strengthened ahead of an expected Federal Reserve decision to raise interest rates, according to Reuters. Oil slid after OPEC reported a rise in global crude stocks and a surprise output jump from its biggest member, Saudi Arabia. Even though OPEC made an upward revision to its global demand outlook, signs of even modestly higher Saudi output flustered investors, it said. Based on corporate announcements and news flow yesterday, companies that may be in focus today may include the following: Bermaz Auto Bhd, Pan Malaysia Holdings Bhd, UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd, Transocean Holdings Bhd, Spritzer Bhd, Eka Noodles Bhd and Digistar Corp Bhd.

Source: The Edge Markets March 14, 2017 21:45 UTC