Share prices on Bursa Malaysia were firmer in early trading Monday in sync with positive leads from the United States, dealers said.
At 9.11 am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was 0.78 of a point higher at 1,656.91, after opening at 1,658.58, up 0.05 of a point.
It was reported on Friday that US' employers stepped up hiring in October and the jobless rate ticked higher as more workers restarted job hunts.
The jobs report said non-farm payroll employment rose by 171,000 jobs in the reviewed month following an upwardly revised increase of 148,000 jobs in September.
This reflects a hopeful sign for a lacklustre economy that has been a drag on President Barack Obama's re-election chances tomorrow, the dealers said.
Meanwhile, HwangDBS Vickers Research said the day's trading would be a test of resilience on the Malaysian stock market.
It said the benchmark FBM KLCI may threaten to break below its immediate support line of 1,655.
"This comes after it closed at its intra-week low of 1,656.13 following a late sell-off last week, as well as last Friday's slump on Wall Street (which saw its key equity indices falling between 0.9 per cent and 1.3 per cent)," it said in a research note.
On the broader market, gainers led losers by 87 to 73, while 118 counters were unchanged, 1,370 counters untraded and 33 suspended.
Volume stood at 59.581 million shares worth RM35.658 million.
Among actives, Tiger Synergy gained two sen to 48.5 sen, Eastland Equity improved 1.5 sen to 50 sen and Scomi added 0.5 sen to 40 sen.
Iris Corp and Nova MSC was flat at 18 sen and 6.5 sen, respectively, while Metronic Global lost half-a-sen to 11 sen.
Heavyweights, CIMB rose five sen to RM7.76, Sime Darby added two sen to RM9.78 and Axiata was one sen higher at RM6.17.
Maybank was flat at RM9.01 while Maxis lost three sen to RM6.89.
Bernama
Mon Nov 05 2012
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.