950804

KL shares

ends softer

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Plantation (MPlant) shares jumped in late trading to finish as the most active stock on speculative play, traders said.

The surge reflected unabated retail buying interest despite lukewarm performance of blue chip counters, they said. Innovest and Damansara Realty were also among new additions for speculative play, the added.

"There's a rumour about MPlant being taken over. But I think it's just talk," said a dealer at a bank-backed house.

The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange's Composite Index ended down 1.76 points to 1,071.07.

Volume dropped to 241 million from 284 million previously. Gainers beat losers 338 to 165.

MPlant rose 34 cents to 2.77 ringgit on a volume of 10.9 million. Innovest gained six cents to 1.31 and Damansara by seven cents to 1.76.

Land & General lost 55 cents to 8.35 ringgit after reporting disappointing first-half year results.

Blue chips Malayan Banking fell 30 cents to 21.00 and Telekom by 20 to 18.20.-Reuter