The FBM KLCI stayed above the 1,600 psychological mark as it headed into the lunch break, reflecting a recovery in regional sentiment.
At 12.30 pm, the benchmark index rose by 7.82 points to 1,603.87, slightly off an intramorning high of 1,609.57.
All but two sectors on the broader market were in positive territory, with financial services driving the gains ahead of the peak results period this month.
Leading the advance were banking heavyweights, with Hong Leong Bank up 26 sen to RM19.40, Maybank rising two sen to RM10.18, CIMB adding five sen to RM7.35, and Public Bank edging up one sen to RM4.25.
