Asian markets down on Ireland debt issue, N. Korea conflict

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI extended its losses in late afternoon trade on Tuesday, Nov 23, in line with the weaker key Asian markets as worries about the debt crisis in Ireland spilling over to Europe.

Reuters reported Seoul's military and media reports saying North Korea on Tuesday fired dozens of artillery shells at a South Korean island, setting buildings on fire and prompting a return of fire by the South.

Key Asian markets fell, with China and Hong Kong posting declines of between 1.4% and 2.57%.

At Bursa Malaysia, the FBM KLCI fell 7.97 points to 1,495.23. Turnover was 601.27 million shares valued at RM955 million. Losers beat gainers 614 to 116.

DiGi extended its losses on worries about rising competition. It fell 42 sen to RM24.38.

PPB lost 38 sen to RM18.42 after reporting lower earnings while BAT shed 34 sen to RM44.82 and KLK fell 16 sen to RM19.86.(Source: The Edge Online)