Bursa closes firmer despite choppy global market

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 – Share prices on Bursa Malaysia closed firmer today, bolstered by buying interest in bluechip stocks despite the retreat on most regional markets, dealers said. Gains in consumer and banking stocks pushed the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to cross the important 1,590 level and closed 12.25 points higher at 1,594.98. The barometer index, which opened at 1,581.27, fluctuated between 1,581.27 and 1,594.98 throughout the day. A dealer said although most regional markets were lower on recurring concern that the eurozone crisis is far from over, European and US equities trended higher on positive sentiment over the Spanish debt auction, and a meeting of the US Federal Reserve later today.