KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI showed little change at the start of Wednesday trading as investors remained cautious ahead of the tabling of Budget 2027.

"We stay cautious on the local bourse this week, as easing crude oil prices and Budget 2027 expectations may offer some support, but a stronger recovery will likely require fresh catalysts such as foreign fund inflows and clearer direction on bond yields and geopolitical developments," said Apex Securities in a note.

The research firm said it was also cautious on the near-term global risk appetite as the rally remains narrowly led by technology and bond yields are still close to multi-decade highs, leaving equities vulnerable if the Fed's tone turns more hawkish. 

At 9.05m, the FBM KLCI was down 3.22 points to 1,630.13, staying rangebound amid the ongoing uncertainty.

Bank shares slipped, including CIMB falling seven sen to RM7.63 and Hong Leong Bank dropping eight sen to RM22.

Press Metal

shed six sen to RM7.13.

Among active shares, Metronic was flat at 0.5 sen, Zetrix AI unchanged at nine sen and Top Glove jumped five sen to 92.5 sen.

Also rising on the renewed optimism in glove makers, Supermax rose two sen to 48 sen, Hartalega

gained five sen to RM1.17 and Kossan added two sen to RM1.27.