KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI opened in the red on Thursday, July 15 in line with its regional peers after Japan's Nikkei 225 average slid in the wake of US Federal Reserve minutes suggesting additional measures may be needed for the economy.

Minutes of the Fed's June meeting showed officials are concerned with the pace of economic recovery, adding to jitters stoked by a report showing June retail sales fell more than expected, according to Reuters.

At 9.05am, the FBM KLCI was down 1.98 points to 1,339.10, dragged by losses, including at Genting and Tenaga.

Genting fell 13 sen to RM7.35, Tenaga was down four sen to RM8.57 while Boustead and Affin lost three sen each to RM3.81 and RM3.04 respectively.

Pos Malaysia, JCY International, Puncak Niaga and Berjaya Sports Toto fell two sen each to RM3.06, RM1.50, RM2.60 and RM4.20 respectively.

KFCH continued its ascent and added 38 sen to RM11.30; Keck Seng rose 18 sen to RM5.38, C I Holdings 11 sen to RM2.75 while Top Glove, Proton and Jetson gained eight sen each to RM14.48, RM4.55 and RM1.19 respectively.

Meanwhile, LPI Capital rose six sen to RM17.68 and QSR Brands was up five sen to RM4.