The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) opened 2.57 points higher at 1,604.91, slightly up from the previous day's close of 1,602.34.

The positive sentiment was attributed to a mixed performance on Wall Street and recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The KLCI started the day 0.54 points higher at 1,602.88.

Overall, advancers outnumbered decliners 179 to 130, with 243 unchanged, 1,914 untraded, and 14 suspended.

Turnover was 179.43 million shares valued at RM93.75 million.

Thong Pak Leng, vice president of equity research at Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, noted that the 10-year US Treasury yield declined slightly to 4.39%, and the Nasdaq was primarily driven higher by Nvidia ahead of its earnings release later today.

"The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong rose modestly, with prospects improving as China pledged more support for Hong Kong's financial markets, promising more listings of Chinese companies, improved market access, and bond issuance," he said.

Domestically, Thong is optimistic about bargain hunting activities and expects the index to trade within the 1,600-1,610 range today.

Among the key stocks, Public Bank gained 2.0 cents to 4.46 ringgit, Maybank and CIMB declined 2.0 cents each to 10.22 ringgit and 8.22 ringgit respectively, while Tenaga Nasional and IHH Healthcare were flat at 14.42 ringgit and 7.26 ringgit.

Among the actives, Silverlake rose 1.0 cent to 57.5 cents, Cape EMS declined 2.0 cents to 36.5 cents, Lifewater fell 1.0 cent to 93 cents, ULi Pacific Group shed 0.5 cent to 45 cents, and TCS Group was unchanged at 15 cents.

On a sectoral basis, the energy index gained 5.59 points to 835.69, the financial services index rose 0.94 points to 19,125.16, the industrial products and services index increased 0.47 points to 170.90, and the plantation index climbed 7.75 points to 7,672.21.

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