KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 19): FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI closed at its highest in nearly 20 months on Monday, with consumer stocks leading the charge, tracking gains of most Asian market indices. 

The benchmark index closed at 1,538.61, its highest since June 7, 2022, after gaining 5.06 points or 0.33%. The KLCI rose to as high as 1,539.25. Chinese and South Korean indices were ahead in Asia.  

Home improvement company Mr DIY Group Bhd was top gainer among index constituents, climbing 2.6% to RM1.55. Other KLCI gainers included fuel retailer Petronas Dagangan Bhd, automotive-to-industrial conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd, and agri-food company QL Resources Bhd. 

Overall market breadth was negative as 447 stocks advanced, 554 retreated and 459 traded sideways, after 3.48 billion shares worth RM2.07 billion exchanged hands. 

Large-cap stocks outperformed both small- and mid-cap counters, while ACE Market stocks fell. 

Sectoral indices meanwhile ended mixed. Property index climbed as IOI Properties Group Bhd surged 5% to RM2.29. The construction sector declined, dragged by IJM Corporation Bhd, which slipped 1.4% to RM2.16. 

Minetech Resources Bhd was the most active stock by volume, down 11% to 17 sen, followed by Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd and TWL Holdings Bhd.

Among stocks in focus, poultry shares were widely higher with egg Lay Hong Bhd leading the charge with a 9.8% gain to 33.5 sen. CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd edged 2.7% higher to 94 sen and LTKM Bhd was up 2.3% to RM1.36.