Malaysian shares finish little changed

Malaysian share prices closed little changed on Thursday as political uncertainty and weaker markets in the region encouraged investors to sell, dealers said. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index was 0.32 of a point lower, closing at 1,085.06 in thin volume of 281.7 million shares valued at 616 million ringgit (179 million dollars) with decliners leading gainers 301 to 238.
"Political uncertainty, weaker regional markets and lack of positive catalysts on domestic front encouraged investors to sell into strength," a dealer told Dow Jones Newswires. The dealer added that "selling pressure by foreign funds was quite evident due to the perception of higher political risk." Dealers said the bourse was expected to drift between the 1070-1090 range on Friday.
Among top losers, Resorts World fell 1.8 percent to 2.69 and Commerce-Asset shed 1.2 percent at 8.25 ringgit. Among gainers, plantation company IOI Corp was 1.8 percent higher at 5.05 ringgit, utility giant Tenaga was up 1.3 percent at 8.05 ringgit and SP Setia gained 2.5 percent at 3.24 ringgit.